India Mobile Congress (IMC) will return in 2026 with a programme framed around the country's digital footprint beyond its own borders, according to the event's organisers.

The announcement positions the next edition of the country's flagship telecom and technology event around the theme "Connecting the Next Chapter: IMC 2026 Charts India's Global Digital Footprint." The framing signals that the agenda will treat India not only as a fast-growing domestic market for connectivity, but as a participant in global digital infrastructure, manufacturing and standards.

IMC has served since its launch as India's largest telecom, media and technology forum, bringing together operators, vendors, policymakers and regulators. The 2026 edition's stated focus on the country's global digital footprint suggests the programme will extend beyond 5G rollout and domestic broadband metrics — the dominant themes of recent years — toward India's role in equipment supply chains, technology exports and international standards work.

No dates, venue details, exhibitor counts or speaker line-ups accompanied the initial announcement. Organisers have not yet published a programme, and the specific tracks, participating operators and vendor commitments for IMC 2026 remain to be confirmed.

What does the new framing signal?

The shift in emphasis tracks a broader policy direction in Indian telecom. Government programmes have pushed domestic manufacturing of network equipment and handsets, and regulators have encouraged Indian technology firms to compete in export markets. An IMC agenda centred on the country's global digital footprint aligns the event with that agenda.

For operators and vendors, the theme suggests next year's event will foreground:

• India's position in global telecom equipment and device supply chains
• Cross-border digital infrastructure initiatives
• Standards and spectrum policy with international implications
• The next phase of network technology deployment after nationwide 5G

Past editions of IMC have drawn heavy government participation, with ministers and regulator TRAI using the platform for policy announcements. The 2026 theme indicates organisers expect that pattern to continue, with the event serving as a venue for statements on India's external digital ambitions as much as its domestic rollout figures.

What comes next?

Organisers are expected to release dates, venue and a detailed agenda for IMC 2026 in the coming months, with participation details for operators, vendors and government bodies to follow.