Union minister of state (MoS) (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS in the prime minister’s office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, said that artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear, space and quantum technologies will determine contours of future growth and global competitiveness
India is rapidly emerging as a major force in frontier technologies, with the National Quantum Mission already achieving more than half of its targeted outcomes within three years of its launch in 2023, added the minister.
The minister said that space, nuclear and quantum technologies will play a decisive role in shaping the future world order, influencing not only economic advancement but also strategic strength and geopolitical positioning. “Countries that fall behind in these technologies risk falling behind in both development and security,” he said.
Meanwhile, referring to the National Quantum mission, he highlighted that several key milestones have been achieved ahead of schedule. He said substantial progress has already been made in quantum-secure communication, an area with significant applications in defence, strategic communications, cyber security and protection of sensitive information.
Further, he mentioned that the pace of progress achieved under the mission demonstrates India’s growing scientific capabilities and its commitment to becoming a global leader in emerging technologies. He added that India is making rapid advances across the quantum ecosystem, including quantum communication, quantum computing and related research areas.
On AI, he said AI is becoming an essential tool across every sector and will increasingly influence governance, industry, education, healthcare, research and public service delivery. He said India is simultaneously strengthening the supporting ecosystem through investments in digital infrastructure, computing capacity, data resources and reliable energy systems.
Furthermore, the minister noted that technological progress has become the principal driver of growth in the modern world and no nation can sustain long-term development without embracing innovation and frontier technologies. He added that India is pursuing this transformation while remaining committed to inclusive growth, democratic values and social welfare.
He said a series of policy reforms undertaken under the leadership of prime minister have expanded opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific advancement. He said the opening up of the space sector has already unleashed a vibrant startup ecosystem, while recent policy initiatives in the nuclear sector are expected to accelerate investments, technological collaboration and capacity creation in a strategically important domain.
Addressing the broader research and development landscape, he further said that India is witnessing a structural shift from a government-centric innovation model to a more collaborative ecosystem involving academia, industry, startups and private enterprises. He said scientific advancement requires the pooling of financial, technological and intellectual resources, and the country is steadily creating an environment that encourages such partnerships.
The minister said the reforms undertaken in recent years have significantly strengthened India’s innovation ecosystem and created new opportunities for scientific discovery, technology development and commercialisation of research outcomes.
Looking ahead, he mentioned that AI and quantum technologies are likely to transform societies at an unprecedented pace over the coming decades. He said the institutions, policies and technological capabilities being developed today will determine the trajectory of nations in the future.
