ITU and DoT Collaborate on AI-Powered Digital Twins

Nitin Konde, Varun Bhardwaj

18 Feb 2025 — 3 min read

ITU and DoT Partner to Develop AI-Powered Digital Twins

A strategic relationship aimed at improving AI-driven digital twin technologies has begun with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The goals of this partnership are to advance sustainable development, create international standards, and stimulate innovation in infrastructure planning. The LoI will lay the groundwork for a number of projects that will incorporate next-generation technologies—such as digital twins, AI-driven solutions, and IMT-2030 technologies—into frameworks that will help vital industries like healthcare, urban development, and transportation.

In an effort to bolster India's position as a global leader in digital connectivity, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, signed the LoI while on an official visit to Geneva. Dr. Mittal talked on India's leadership in 5G and 6G technologies, AI for digital transformation, and cybersecurity frameworks in talks with ITU leadership, including ITU Secretary-General Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

India Cementing its Strong Base in Telecommunication Field

The ITU's Partner2Connect program, which attempts to close the global digital gap, was another topic of debate. India reiterated its dedication to backing ITU projects, especially those pertaining to skill development and global connectivity.

Dr. Mittal suggested during his visit that India host the ITU-Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030. Positive reactions were received to this suggestion, and more talks will take place at the next ITU Council Meeting. This plan has a strong basis thanks to India's recent achievement in hosting the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA-2024) in New Delhi. By hosting the conference, India would further solidify its position as a focal point for international policy discussions on ICT legislation and telecommunications, thus influencing the direction of global connectivity.

An important development in the function of telecommunications is the partnership between the DoT and ITU. Next-generation mobile communication technologies are platforms for flexible and dynamic infrastructure planning, not just for connectivity. AI and digital twins can be used to deliver real-time, intelligent data that radically alters the planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure and cities. Better planning, monitoring, and management of infrastructure projects are made possible by digital twins, which provide virtual versions of actual systems, increasing sustainability and efficiency.

What AI-driven Digital Twin Technologies can Offer?

Pervasive intelligence can be produced by AI-driven digital twin technologies, enabling open, networked systems that transform stakeholder collaboration on infrastructure projects. These developments make it possible to approach infrastructure and urban planning with greater flexibility and responsiveness, resulting in solutions that are better able to adjust to shifting circumstances. By opening up new business models, this strategy makes it possible to provide scalable, data-driven solutions that support long-term growth in vital industries. By using a comprehensive approach, future infrastructure will be durable and innovative, able to adapt to changing needs.

The LoI lists a number of important areas for cooperation. Knowledge sharing and capacity building will be a key focus, promoting the sharing of ideas from projects such as the ITU's Citiverse platform and the DoT's Sangam project. Better data integration and cross-sectoral cooperation will be made possible by this partnership. The creation of international standards through contributions to ITU-T Study Group 20, which focuses on digital twins, smart cities, and the Internet of Things, is another crucial topic. The objective is to develop international standards and procedures that guarantee the interoperability and scalability of AI-driven solutions. In order to verify the revolutionary potential of digital twin technologies, DoT and ITU will also set up sandbox environments for testing and trial initiatives. In order to promote more participatory government, AI-powered platforms will also be utilised to involve individuals in urban planning.

Lastly, by customising solutions to fit the unique requirements of various nations, the partnership will concentrate on privacy-enhancing methods in ICT measurement and AI model integration for digital twins. This partnership ushers in a new era of global infrastructure planning that promotes sustainability and creativity. An important step towards building a more sustainable and interconnected future for global infrastructure is this alliance.