New Delhi: India has already built 1000 km of secure quantum communications network in just three years out of its 10-year target of 2000 km under the National Quantum Mission, Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said at an event in Delhi on Friday.
Speaking at the third India International FinTech Festival, Singh said that India’s National Quantum Mission has positioned the country among a select group of nations investing in quantum technologies across four verticals–quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and quantum materials.
“The mission had set a target of establishing 2,000 kilometres of secure quantum communication over ten years, India has already achieved over 1,000 kilometres within just three years, demonstrating progress well ahead of the planned timeline,” Singh said.
The National Quantum Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023, with a budgetary allocation of Rs 6,003.65 crores till 2030-31. The mission aims to propel India to the forefront of quantum technology research and development.
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Other achievements
The minister also listed out other advancements in the field of science and technology made by India over the last decade. Referring to a massive expansion in the startup ecosystem, Singh said that the number of startups in India had gone up from just 350 to over 2.4 lakh in the last decade.
“India is increasingly matching global technological developments in real time rather than following them years later. The opening of strategic sectors such as space and, more recently, the nuclear sector to private participation reflects a collaborative approach that is accelerating innovation and expanding opportunities for technology-led economic growth,” Singh said.
The minister said that India must build an intelligent, secure and trusted financial ecosystem driven by emerging technologies, stressing that the next phase of the country’s fintech growth will be shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, cybersecurity, blockchain and trusted digital innovation.
“India has a unique opportunity to emerge as the world’s trusted innovation economy by combining scientific excellence, technological leadership and collaborative partnerships,” he added.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)