Chennai: In a move that strengthens India’s push for localized manufacturing and technological advancements, Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated Cisco India’s new manufacturing facility at Sriperumbudur today. The facility, developed in collaboration with Flex India, is set to produce cutting-edge telecom and networking equipment, vital for 5G and future technologies.
Cisco Chair & CEO Chuck Robbins was present at the inauguration, which aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to play a crucial role in reducing India’s dependence on imported technology and enhancing the country’s ability to export world-class telecom products.
“This collaboration between Bharat’s engineering capabilities and USA’s innovative prowess is a symbol of India’s cultural, spiritual, and economic awakening on the global stage,” said Scindia during the event. He also emphasized that the facility would contribute significantly to India’s position as a leader in telecom manufacturing.
The Cisco manufacturing facility, a beneficiary of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), will create new opportunities for advanced manufacturing and export while bolstering India’s 5G infrastructure.
Following the inauguration, Scindia visited Nokia Solutions & Networks’ campus in Chennai. There, he witnessed the application of advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, including private wireless, AI, and AR/VR, which are shaping the future of telecom manufacturing.
“The integration of Industry 4.0 in telecom manufacturing is critical for high-tech innovation, and Nokia’s commitment to this cause is commendable,” said Scindia. He praised Nokia’s role in fostering world-class manufacturing within India.
The Minister’s final stop in Chennai was at IIT Madras, where he reviewed the groundbreaking 5G Testbed Project funded by the DoT. Researchers demonstrated high-speed communications using indigenously developed base stations, reaching speeds of 1 Gbps.
The IIT Madras project, involving eight R&D institutions, is designed to encourage Indian start-ups and industries to take an early lead in 5G technology. Scindia addressed students and faculty, saying, “India’s youth are at the forefront of our technological and economic transformation. The 5G Testbed Project is a crucial step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and achieving our goal of becoming the third-largest economy in the world.”
