The British High Commission in New Delhi reported on 15 September 2026 that the UK government and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 14 September. The agreement sets out a framework for sharing learning, exchanging knowledge and building engagement on digital fraud issues affecting both countries, including the use of artificial intelligence in telecoms networks.

Acting British High Commissioner Ben Mellor said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to address challenges where telecommunications and digital security meet. COAI Director General Lt Gen Dr SP Kochhar said the next phase of connectivity in India must be intelligent, secure and resilient. The commission said the partnership supports the Technology Security Initiative and UK-India Vision 2035.

The announcement stated that over two-thirds of fraud cases in the UK have an international element, and that fraud is the largest reported crime type in England and Wales, costing the economy £14.4 billion in 2023 to 2024. It said the UK has committed over £250 million between 2026 and 2029 for a new fraud strategy, including an Online Crime Centre launched in April and a Telecoms Fraud Charter. A CO.AI panel discussion was described as the first formal collaboration under the partnership.