NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Friday said that Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technology, space, and nuclear energy will define the next phase of India’s economic growth, technological leadership, and global competitiveness. He asserted that the country is rapidly emerging as a major force in frontier technologies.
Speaking during a fireside conversation at a media conclave in New Delhi, the Minister noted that India is progressing alongside the world’s leading nations in several critical technology domains. He added that the country is steadily building capabilities that will shape the future of economic development, national security, and geopolitical influence.
National Quantum Mission Achieves Major Milestones
Highlighting the progress of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which was launched in 2023, Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that the mission has already achieved more than half of its targeted outcomes within just three years.
He noted that India has made significant advances in quantum-secure communication, a technology with wide-ranging applications in defense, cybersecurity, strategic communications, and the protection of sensitive information.
“The pace of progress under the National Quantum Mission reflects India’s growing scientific capabilities and commitment to becoming a global leader in emerging technologies,” Singh said, adding that the country is making rapid strides in quantum communication, quantum computing, and related research.
The Minister stressed that nations unable to keep pace with advancements in space, nuclear, and quantum technologies risk falling behind not only in economic development but also in strategic security.
AI Integration and Clean Energy Infrastructure
On the subject of Artificial Intelligence, Singh described AI as an indispensable technology that will increasingly transform governance, education, healthcare, industry, research, and public service delivery. To support this AI-driven growth, he stated that the government is simultaneously strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem through investments in:
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Computing infrastructure and data resources.
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Cloud capacity and reliable energy systems.
He also highlighted the growing importance of nuclear energy in supporting India’s expanding digital economy. He noted that the increasing demand for advanced computing, data centers, and AI infrastructure would require dependable and clean sources of power.
Policy Reforms and the Startup Ecosystem
Dr. Jitendra Singh credited a series of policy reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for creating new opportunities in science, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He explained that the opening of India’s space sector has already fostered a vibrant startup ecosystem, while recent reforms in the nuclear sector are expected to attract greater investments, technological collaboration, and capacity building.
Furthermore, India’s research and development landscape is witnessing a structural transformation, with innovation increasingly driven by partnerships between academia, industry, startups, and private enterprises rather than government institutions alone.
Educational Transformation via NEP 2020
Discussing education reforms, Singh described the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformational initiative that has fundamentally changed India’s higher education and research landscape. He said the policy has introduced flexibility and multidisciplinary learning, enabling students to pursue careers based on their interests and abilities rather than rigid academic pathways.
The Minister concluded by urging young Indians to play an active role in the country’s scientific and technological transformation. He emphasized that reforms in education, research, space, nuclear energy, and emerging technologies are laying a strong foundation for India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
