Gujarat’s Pride: Global Legal Luminary Harsh Patel Nominated to Central Government’s Telecom Advisory Committee
Youngest Icon of UAE awardee brings rare cross-jurisdictional insight to India’s telecom policy framework
Ahmedabad, May 19, 2026: – In a proud moment for Gujarat, Advocate CA. Harsh Girish Patel – a global legal luminary – has been nominated as a Member of the Telecom Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
The nomination, issued by official order of the Ministry, recognises Mr. Patel’s distinguished legal expertise, international business leadership, and his demonstrated commitment to advancing India’s position in global governance frameworks. The Telecom Advisory Committee – a high-level body comprising Members of Parliament and other distinguished nominees – advises the Ministry on policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategic direction for India’s telecommunications sector, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing.
When Mr. Patel stood before the European Parliament in Brussels in November 2025, he told EU and Indian policymakers that “the conversation must move beyond tariffs and market access – toward architecture and alignment.” Now, the Government of India has placed that philosophy at the service of the nation’s trillion-dollar digital economy ambition.
His international engagements have also included addressing the UK Parliament at the House of Lords, where he urged policymakers to transform trade agreements into “Founder & Trade Agreements” that empower small businesses. At Davos, he launched a Global Policy and Government Relations Practice, arguing that “geopolitics is no longer a headline risk; it is a boardroom responsibility.”
“I am deeply honoured and grateful to the Ministry of Communications for this nomination,” Mr. Patel said. “India stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey – from 5G rollout to the frontier of 6G research, from Digital India to becoming a global hub for technology investment. My goal is to contribute to a regulatory framework that not only supports India’s domestic digital ambitions but also positions India as a standard-setter in global telecommunications governance.”
Mr. Patel’s journey from Gujarat to global prominence is remarkable. Starting from a single desk at age 19, he founded Water & Shark, which today operates across 12+ countries, advising unicorns like Zepto, royal families, sovereign offices, and global enterprises on cross-border structuring, taxation, and legal strategy. His accolades include being the youngest-ever ‘Icon of the UAE’ awardee (presented by Dr. Shashi Tharoor), the Champions of Change award, UAE’s Most Influential Financial and Legal Professional, ET Indo-Global Leaders Award 2025, and inclusion in Finance World’s Top 100 Expat Leaders of the UAE 2025. He also serves as Chief Legal Advisor to the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.
“Gujarat has always had a spirit of enterprise,” Mr. Patel said. “From the business communities of Ahmedabad and Surat to the entrepreneurial energy of Vadodara and Rajkot, Gujarat’s contribution to India’s economic story is immense. I hope my journey inspires young Gujarat to think globally, to build structures that endure, and to serve the nation with excellence.”
The Telecom Advisory Committee comprises Members of Parliament and other distinguished nominees. Mr. Patel’s appointment marks a significant addition of international legal and cross-border regulatory expertise to India’s telecom policy framework.
