The Cabinet approval for cooperation between India and Japan in the field of ICTs has come amidst growing concerns in India over cyber-attacks from China

The Cabinet approval for cooperation between India and Japan in the field of ICTs has come amidst growing concerns in India over cyber-attack from China

In a major boost to 5G network and telecom security in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed Union Cabinet on Thursday gave approval to signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan in the field of Information and Communication Technologies.

“The MoC will contribute in strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding in the field of communications and will serve as a strategic initiative for India as Japan is an important partner with ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ status,” a statement issued by the PMO said.

The MoC will help in cooperation between two countries in various fields like 5G network, telecom security, submarine cable, standard certification of communication equipment, utilization of latest wireless technologies and ICTs, ICTs capacity building, public protection and disaster relief, Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Block Chain, Spectrum Chain, Spectrum Management, Cooperation on Multilateral platforms etc.

“The MoC will further enhance opportunities for India to get into the global standardization process. Cooperation in ICTs technologies will help in strengthening ICTs infrastructure in the country. Cooperation in the development of future submarine cable networks and technologies will help in boosting connectivity of mainland India to remote areas,” the PMO added

The MoC aims to promote human capacity building in the field of ICTs and further development of the startup ecosystem which will contribute in realizing the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

On October 7, on the sidelines of Quad ministerial meeting in Tokyo, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi had agreed to promote cooperation in 5G Technology, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and key areas of cyberspace among others.

The Cabinet approval for cooperation between India and Japan has come amidst growing concerns in India over cyber-attack from China, especially after India banned more than 100 mobile apps with Chinese security links following bitter standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh.