India Nominates M. Revathi to Lead ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau

India has put forward M. Revathi, Joint Wireless Advisor in the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), as its official candidate for the position of Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This move marks one of India’s most prominent efforts to take on a leadership role in shaping global radiocommunication and spectrum policy.

The ITU, a specialized United Nations agency based in Geneva, plays a key role in managing the global use of radio frequencies and satellite orbits—critical for modern technologies like 5G, 6G, satellite broadband, and disaster response systems. If elected, Revathi would be the first woman and the first representative from ITU Regions E (Asia/Australasia) and D (Africa) to lead the Bureau, representing over half of the global population.

Revathi brings nearly three decades of experience in managing spectrum and satellite communications and currently serves on the ITU Radio Regulations Board. Her nomination reflects India’s commitment to equitable digital growth and its belief in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world as one family.

India’s growing presence in global telecom was also evident when it hosted the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) in October 2024. The event saw record participation from over 150 countries and led to the adoption of eight key resolutions.

The ITU coordinates the global telecom landscape through its three sectors: ITU-T (Standardization), ITU-D (Development), and ITU-R (Radiocommunication), with the Radiocommunication Bureau ensuring smooth global connectivity in radio-based services.

Source: PIB