Sustainability and security in India’s network infrastructure

India’s digital economy stands at the threshold of a transformative decade. With data consumption surging at double-digit growth and broadband services extending deep into rural regions, the scale of network expansion ahead is unprecedented.

The government’s National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0), along with reforms such as simplified Right of Way (RoW) approvals and ambitious green energy targets, is not only accelerating connectivity but also reshaping the role of hardware manufacturers. The next wave of growth is no longer just about expanding access—it’s about building network infrastructure that is energy-efficient, rapidly deployable, and secure by design.

At the heart of this transformation is NBM 2.0, which aims to deliver universal broadband access. This initiative is expected to drive one of the world’s largest expansions in fiber and wireless backhaul networks. For hardware manufacturers, this translates into a significant increase in both scale and complexity.

The expectation now is to design and deliver equipment that is inherently sustainable—with lower energy consumption per data unit, modular and recyclable components, and extended product lifecycles. The sector must respond to a dual imperative: enabling mass connectivity while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Simultaneously, the government’s reforms to Right of Way permissions are changing the dynamics of network deployment. In the past, RoW approvals were a significant hurdle, often causing delays and cost overruns. Streamlining these processes is reducing deployment timelines, placing new demands on equipment providers.

Manufacturers must now ensure resilient supply chains, localised production, and devices designed for quick and easy installation. In this new landscape, deployment efficiency is directly tied to competitive advantage—with procurement increasingly favoring vendors who can deliver scale, speed, and quality.

 

India’s green energy ambitions are also reshaping expectations. With a national target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, the telecommunications sector must align its infrastructure with sustainable energy goals. Hardware needs to be optimized for renewable integration, reduced cooling requirements in data-intensive environments, and lower total emissions over its lifecycle.

Global benchmarks already demonstrate that energy-optimized network equipment can reduce operational costs by up to 30%. As Indian telecom operators begin incorporating sustainability into their procurement standards, energy efficiency is moving from a “nice-to-have” to an essential requirement.

However, sustainability cannot be viewed in isolation from security. As India’s digital infrastructure grows, the need for cyber-resilience and trusted supply chains becomes critical. Government initiatives emphasizing secure hardware and trusted sources underline the growing expectation that products must be both sustainable and secure. This intersection is now a defining benchmark for competitiveness in the Indian market—where low emissions and high trust must go hand in hand.

Together, these developments signal a clear shift: India’s network infrastructure will be defined by responsible innovation. Hardware manufacturers are no longer just vendors of routers, switches, or fiber systems—they are enablers of a future where India’s digital ambitions are realized through energy-efficient and geopolitically secure infrastructure.

Those who can innovate at the nexus of sustainability and security will not only gain market leadership but also help India set new global standards for inclusive and responsible digital growth.

Ultimately, India’s digital expansion is not just a story of increased connectivity. It is a broader narrative of how technology ecosystems evolve to meet the growing demands of sustainability, efficiency, and sovereignty. If executed effectively, the combined momentum of NBM 2.0, RoW reforms, and clean energy goals has the potential to position India as a model for emerging economies—demonstrating that digital growth need not come at the expense of the environment or national security. For hardware manufacturers, the opportunity is vast—but so is the responsibility.