The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between telecom companies in both countries and help tackle the growing threat of online scams
India and the UK have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in tackling digital fraud, online scams and other threats linked to technology.
The agreement was signed by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and the British High Commission on Monday. It establishes a framework for sharing expertise, exchanging knowledge and addressing digital fraud-related challenges affecting both countries.
The partnership will focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to improve the security and resilience of telecom networks. It also covers digital connectivity, trust and responsible technology-led innovation.
The initiative comes as digital fraud increasingly crosses national borders. According to the UK High Commission, more than two-thirds of fraud cases in the UK have an international element, highlighting the need for closer cooperation between governments and industry.
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The agreement places telecom operators at the centre of efforts to strengthen fraud prevention and build a safer digital environment
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It brings together experts from India and the UK to support the development of more secure and trusted digital services
Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), attended the signing as chief guest. He highlighted AI’s potential to create smarter and more efficient networks, while stressing the importance of responsible governance, human oversight and consumer protection.
He also called for greater collaboration among telecom companies, technology firms, financial institutions and governments to address emerging digital risks.
Ben Mellor, Acting British High Commissioner to India, said cooperation between governments and industry was essential to protecting citizens, businesses and institutions from digital threats.
The agreement supports the broader objectives of the Technology Security Initiative and UK-India Vision 2035, which seek to ensure technological progress strengthens trust in digital services.
The MoU was announced during the CO.AI (Communications and AI) panel discussion, the first formal collaboration between the UK and COAI. Representatives from the Department of Telecommunications, TRAI, Vodafone, Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel attended the event.
