Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has said that artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, space and quantum technologies will shape future economic growth and global competitiveness. He made the remarks during a fireside conversation at a media conclave, according to a Press Information Bureau release.
Dr Singh is the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences. He is also Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space.
He said India is moving alongside leading countries in several advanced technology areas and is building capabilities that will matter for economic development, national security and global positioning. “Countries that fall behind in these technologies risk falling behind in both development and security,” he said.
National Quantum Mission progress
Referring to the National Quantum Mission, Dr Singh said the mission has achieved more than half of its targeted outcomes within three years of its launch in 2023. He said several milestones have been reached ahead of schedule.
One area he highlighted was quantum-secure communication. The minister said progress in this field has important applications in defence, strategic communication, cyber security and the protection of sensitive information.
He also said India is advancing in parts of the wider quantum technology chain, including quantum communication, quantum computing and related research. The minister linked this progress to India’s aim of becoming a stronger player in emerging technologies.
AI and digital infrastructure
On artificial intelligence, Dr Singh said AI is becoming a tool across sectors such as governance, industry, education, healthcare, research and public service delivery. He said its use is expected to grow as institutions and industries adopt more digital systems.
He added that India is strengthening the support base needed for such technologies. This includes investment in digital infrastructure, computing capacity, data resources and dependable energy systems.
The minister said technological progress is now a central driver of growth and that long-term development will require countries to adopt innovation and frontier technologies. He also said India is pursuing this path while staying committed to inclusive growth, democratic values and social welfare.
Space, nuclear energy and startups
Dr Singh said policy reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have widened opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific work. He pointed to the opening of the space sector, saying it has helped create a more active startup environment.
He also referred to recent policy steps in the nuclear sector. According to him, these steps are expected to support investment, technology collaboration and capacity creation in a field that has strategic importance.
The minister linked nuclear energy with the rising demand for advanced computing, data centres and digital services. He said these areas will need reliable energy sources, and nuclear energy can support India’s technology-driven growth while also contributing to the clean energy transition.
Education and research reforms
Dr Singh described the National Education Policy 2020 as a major reform in how students approach learning, higher education and research. He said the policy has moved away from rigid academic pathways and offers more flexibility and multidisciplinary options.
According to him, this allows students to choose education and research paths based on interest, aptitude and aspiration. He said such changes can help improve scientific research and encourage a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.
The minister also spoke about changes in India’s research and development model. He said the country is moving from a largely government-led innovation system to one that includes academia, industry, startups and private enterprises.
He said scientific advancement requires financial, technological and intellectual resources to be brought together. Recent reforms, he added, have created more space for scientific discovery, technology development and commercial use of research outcomes.
Call to young people
Looking ahead, Dr Singh said artificial intelligence and quantum technologies are likely to bring major changes over the coming decades. He said the institutions, policies and capabilities being built today will influence how nations perform in the future.
He urged students and young people to take part in India’s scientific and technological development. He said the current generation has access to knowledge, information and learning resources at a scale not seen earlier.
Dr Singh said reforms in education, research, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies will support India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and help place the country among innovation-driven economies.
Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.