In today’s hyper-connected digital economy, businesses and consumers demand faster, more reliable, and scalable networks. Ciena, a global enabler in networking systems, services, and software, is at the forefront of enabling next-generation connectivity and driving innovation in India.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like 5G, cloud networking, and automation, Ciena is empowering Indian enterprises, telecom providers, and government initiatives to build agile, future-ready networks.
Giving details on the company’s current priorities, Amit Malik, President, Ciena India & SAARC said, “We see that a lot of growth is coming from hyperscalers today, and hence, our first priority is towards the data center market. The other priority is to be closer to service providers – the Telcos and we have been very fortunate to work with all the Telcos whether it is Bharti, Jio or Vodafone Idea. We have been working with all of them very closely and do most of the longhaul networks for these service providers. Given the challenges that they are facing around – automating, simplifying, ‘speeds and feeds’ – how do they cater to the newer demands of the enterprise, so our priority is to help them succeed here. We are trying to ensure that we help them automate their networks, try and help them build what I say ‘networks for AI’ because, in this AI world there are a lot of things that are changing in networks with the rise in capacity, the low latency demands that are coming up and try to help them build the new networks.
The third key priority for us is diversification and this is where we have taken some big steps. As part of diversification we have started focusing on enterprise and government space, we started that focus last year and we already had some great wins like Microscan, Tejays and carrier neutrals like Constl, Lightstorm and Sify, so that’s how we have broad-based our business as well. So broadly these are the priorities for us,” he explained.
Accelerating India’s Digital Transformation
India’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, driven by rising internet penetration, cloud adoption, and smart infrastructure projects. Ciena is playing a pivotal role in this transformation by providing high-capacity, intelligent networking solutions that support the country’s growing bandwidth demands.
Strengthening Telecom Infrastructure for 5G
With the rollout of 5G, Indian telecom operators require robust, low-latency networks to deliver seamless connectivity. Ciena’s adaptive IP and optical networking solutions help telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel optimize their infrastructure for 5G readiness. By deploying Ciena’s programmable networks, service providers can enhance scalability, reduce operational costs, and improve customer experiences.
Enabling Cloud and Data Center Growth
As Indian enterprises migrate to hybrid and multi-cloud environments, data traffic is surging. Ciena’s coherent optical solutions and software-driven automation enable data centers to manage high-bandwidth applications efficiently. Partnerships with leading cloud service providers ensure that businesses can leverage fast, secure, and scalable connectivity for digital services.
Supporting Government Initiatives
Ciena aligns with India’s vision of a digitally empowered society, supporting initiatives like Digital India and Smart Cities. Its high-speed networking solutions facilitate e-governance, digital education, and healthcare connectivity in urban and rural areas. By enhancing broadband accessibility, Ciena helps bridge the digital divide.
Innovation Through R&D and Local Collaboration
Ciena’s commitment to innovation is evident through its strong R&D presence in India. The company’s Bangalore-based R&D center focuses on developing next-gen networking technologies, including AI-driven network automation and open-source solutions. Collaborations with Indian academic institutions and startups further fuel innovation, positioning India as a global hub for networking advancements.
Sustainability and Future-Ready Networks
Beyond performance, Ciena emphasizes sustainable networking. Its energy-efficient solutions are helping Indian telcos and enterprises reduce carbon footprints while maintaining high-speed connectivity—a critical factor as India moves toward greener digital infrastructure.
Ciena’s technology leadership and localized strategies are instrumental in shaping India’s digital future. By enabling faster, smarter, and more resilient networks, Ciena supports the country’s ambition to become a trillion-dollar digital economy.
As India continues to embrace next-gen technologies, Ciena’s innovations will remain vital in driving seamless connectivity and business growth. With a strong focus on 5G, cloud, and automation, Ciena is not just keeping pace with India’s digital revolution—it’s leading the charge.
