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VSNL to use Microsoft expertise for triple play
MUMBAI: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) will be associating with technology major Microsoft to make an entry into the ‘triple play’ arena.
The two companies have decided to work together on integrated communications and collaboration areas which include next generation converged voice, data, messaging and video services to business and consumers.
The commencement of the strategic alliance is marked by the unveiling of VSNL’s Tata Indicom Web Conferencing Service based on the Microsoft Office Live Meeting Platform. Under the alliance, VSNL will combine its vast communications network with Microsoft software to create rich solutions and services targeted at these segments. VSNL and Microsoft will also undertake joint Go to Market initiatives to evangelize and market these offerings in the target segments.
The two companies will work together on the area of consumer digital media services as well. This will include the deployment of service delivery platforms for the provision of subscription based instant Video and Music packages over broadband, and multimedia streaming over broadband and dial up networks, states an official release.
States VSNL director Kishor A Chaukar, “Armed with the combined strength of VSNL & Microsoft Office Live Meeting, our endeavor will be to deliver the next generation of real time communication to enterprises in India. Our latest offering will enable our customers to meet the twin objectives of enhancing team communication and reducing travel time. This alliance is in keeping with our objective of offering end-to-end managed services to our customers”.
Commenting on the partnership, Microsoft India MD Neelam Dhawan says, “Delivering software as a service is key to improving access to IT, and ensuring that Indian enterprises and consumers can realize the benefits of technology. A few years ago, it would have been impossible to think of deriving synergies between the telecom and IT industries. The rapid growth of telecom networks, and adoption of IT – is fostering a marketplace that is ready for converged solutions.
The two companies is also planning to collaborate to provide hosted software as a managed service. These include managed hosted ‘info-comm’ services that simplify enhance the way businesses communicate, collaborate and transact. It will enable SMB’s to access Microsoft software as a consolidated, managed and integrated service. It will also allow VNSL to provide managed and integrated voice & data services, the release adds.
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Rising Bharat Summit 2026 spotlights India’s global ascent
PM Modi keynotes two-day event with ministers, diplomats and icons in New Delhi.
MUMBAI: India didn’t just host a summit, it threw a coming-out party for a nation ready to own the global stage. The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, held on 27–28 February in New Delhi, emerged as a high-octane platform for ideas, vision and strategic dialogue, uniting national leadership, global policymakers, industry titans, defence strategists and cultural icons under the theme “Strength Within”.
Prime minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a keynote that framed India’s resurgence as a reclaiming of lost potential built over generations. “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers,” he said. “But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and shaping them.” He highlighted the country’s thriving AI startup ecosystem and the recent AI Impact Summit attended by over 100 nations.
Union minister Piyush Goyal (Commerce & Industry) stressed India’s readiness to scale exports and deepen manufacturing, while Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT) positioned technology and infrastructure as twin engines of growth, especially in AI and digital trust. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Communications & North East Development) revealed India’s ambition to lead in 6G through the Bharat 6G Alliance and partnerships with over 30 countries.
Global voices added depth: former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo called India’s development “self-sustaining” and strategically vital; ex-UK Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter asserted India deserves a seat at the great powers’ table; and former US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined ambassadors from Norway, Germany and Sweden in discussions on geopolitical realignment, sustainability and defence preparedness.
Other speakers included veteran investor Ramesh Damani, World Gold Council CEO David Tait, Vianai Systems founder Dr Vishal Sikka, DeepTech Bharat Foundation co-founder Shashi Shekhar Vempati, defence experts Rajesh Kumar Singh, Sunil Ambekar, Patrick McGee, Tom Cooper and Adrian Fontanellaz, plus cultural and sporting icons Kangana Ranaut, Saina Nehwal, PR Sreejesh, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mithali Raj, Anil Kapoor and Yami Gautam.
The summit was supported by Jio Financial Services (Presenting Partner), Phonepe and DS Group (Co-Presenting Partners), Pernod Ricard India and Kia Seltos (Powered By & Driven By), state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand (State Partners), and associate partners including NSE, M3M Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Broadcast live across News18 Network, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz, the event reinforced India’s image as a confident democracy and emerging global power proving that when strength comes from within, the world can’t help but watch.
