US President Donald Trump returned from his first official visit to India yesterday, where he was working to expand the strategic partnership between the two countries, which included discussions on 5G technology and its importance.
“We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network”
President Trump
Trump and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, discussed the importance of building secure 5G systems to promote a trusted networking future.
"During our visit we discussed the importance of a secure wireless 5G network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with where it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship," Trump said in a press briefing after his meeting with Modi, according to source Times of India.
We've had discussions on developing 5G wireless technology... A key trade deal will be signed soon: U.S President @realDonaldTrump during the Indo-U.S joint statementKeep following our LIVE blog: https://t.co/UIt1iqfjf8#TrumpVisitWithTimes#NamasteTrumpFebruary 25, 2020
On Monday, US Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai had bilateral meetings with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India chairman, R.S. Sharma, and telecom secretary, Anshu Prakash, where the two countries discussed spectrum issues, including 5G.
An honor to meet with @POTUS and Prime Minister @narendramodi today during bilateral United States-India meetings! Among other things, the discussion focused on how we can work together to advance #5G’s potential to deliver connectivity, promote innovation, and create jobs. 🇺🇸🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/UqrrwRhcbaFebruary 25, 2020
US allies
As the US continues to press its allies not to use Huawei 5G equipment, as it’s considered to pose a national security risk – something the Chinese technology giant denies. Several countries have followed US lead and banned Huwaei, including Australia and Japan. In India, Huawei is teaming up with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea for 5G trials, so it’ll be interesting to see if President Trump’s visit has any effect on this.
During his visit, the Trump spoke about the importance of the United States-India relationship before a crowd of more than 110,000 at Ahmedabad’s Motera Stadium. “America loves India, America respects India, and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”
At the very end of last year, the Indian government initiated the process for deploying 5G and met operators and vendors to discuss a roadmap for trails, expected next month.
