Modi Highlights 5G Milestones and Pays Tribute to Actor Nana Patkar

At the grand opening of India Mobile Congress 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s rapid 5G expansion while honoring the memory of beloved film star Nana Patkar.

The summit, held at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, New Delhi, runs from October 7 to 10 and attracts telecom leaders, startup founders and policy makers from around the world. Modi welcomed the international delegations and announced that India will host the GSMA Board meeting, a first for the nation.

Speaking on Air Force Day, the Prime Minister saluted the men and women of the Indian Air Force and extended his best wishes to the nation.

Marking 25 years at the helm of India’s government, Modi thanked citizens and global partners for their continued trust. He also pointed out that the IMC event is celebrating its 10th anniversary, a milestone that coincides with the country’s digital ambitions.

The Prime Minister’s remarks turned somber as he remembered Nana Patkar, who had passed away earlier that day. He praised Patkar’s versatile acting career and his courage to spotlight social injustice through cinema, calling his life “as dignified as the Indian flag.”

Modi then turned the focus to the telecom sector’s achievements. He recalled that the 5G launch was announced at the IMC platform in 2022 and highlighted that the rollout has accelerated, with coverage expanding and average mobile internet speeds now ten times higher than two years ago.

The address set an optimistic tone for the conference, emphasizing collaboration between government, industry and innovators to sustain India’s leadership in next‑generation connectivity.