India to implement caller name identification service from November 2026

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telecom operators to implement Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) services starting November 1, 2026. This initiative aims to increase transparency and help users identify incoming calls by displaying the caller's name alongside their mobile number.

Under the new framework, the service will be automatically activated for subscribers on 4G and 5G networks without requiring a separate request. For domestic calls from unsaved numbers, the system will retrieve and display the name recorded in the originating operator's subscriber database. If a number is already saved in a recipient's contacts, the stored contact name will take precedence. International calls will be labeled as ‘International Call’ rather than displaying a specific name.

The DoT has amended the Unified Licence Agreement to include the subscriber's registered name as part of the Calling Line Identification (CLI) definition. While the rollout focuses on advanced wireless networks, the implementation for 2G, 3G, and public switched telephone networks will be considered separately. The move is intended to provide a built-in alternative to third-party caller identification applications.