New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS): Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Friday said that given the large domestic demand for telecom equipment, India's technology companies are now using innovation and research and development to create world class products for the country as well as for other emerging markets having similar needs.

"The 'Digital India', 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' programmes provide an ideal platform for Indian companies to build a foundation for domestic success which can be used for exports," Prasad said while inaugurating the 6th Reverse Buyer Seller Meet organised by TEPC.

The meet was attended by 49 buyers from 19 countries who came to India for sourcing telecom equipments and services. These buyers represent telecom service providers and system integrators largely from South-East Asia, Latin America as well as from Africa.

The minister assured that the government is fully committed to promoting manufacturing and exports of telecom as a focus area.

Commerce Secretary Rajiv Kher said the emerging markets of Africa, Latin America, South East Asia and CIS countries were the natural destination for Indian exports, while Telecom Secretary Rakesh Garg stressed the need to build long-term partnerships between overseas buyers and Indian companies, keeping in view the continuous technological changes happening in telecom sector.