India (Commonwealth Union)_ During the Indian Military Heritage Festival organized by the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi, Minister of State in the PMO, Jitendra Singh, proclaimed India’s standing as one of the seven elite nations globally that have harnessed quantum technology. He underscored the country’s progress in modernizing its defense sector, emphasizing that India has embraced cutting-edge technology. Notably, the armed forces now possess advanced weaponry, such as drones, heliborne operations, and UAVs, while remaining agile in adapting to emerging frontiers like Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security.
Dr. Jitendra Singh articulated India’s alignment with leading nations in adopting disruptive technologies capable of revolutionizing defense strategies. This not only bolsters national security but also positions India as a prominent global technology leader in the defense domain. He pointed out the country’s departure from the use of outdated weaponry and highlighted the Prime Minister’s launch of the National Quantum Mission earlier in the year, emphasizing the importance of quantum technology. He said, “Gone are the times when our forces were using outdated weapons. We are among the seven elite countries in the world that are using Quantum Technology. With this view, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the National Quantum Mission in March this year.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh provided insights into several technological initiatives across India. Notable efforts included ‘i-Hub Quantum’ at IISER, Pune, focused on Quantum Technologies, and the TIH at IIT Madras, namely the IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, engaged in developing a secure mobile phone for defense personnel. Furthermore, the TIH at IIT Roorkee, known as iHUB Divya Sampark, supports the creation of the IDR Doot Mk-1, India’s first domestic nanodrone designed to assist the Indian Armed Forces in counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations. India’s prowess also extended to IIT Mandi, which houses the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Foundation, focused on creating the Naval Combat Management System, and IISc Bengaluru’s TIH, contributing to integrated robotic joint actuators for precise control of automation systems.
These initiatives exemplify India’s commitment to advancing disruptive technologies that continuously evolve, making them vital for maintaining military superiority and ensuring national security in the modern era. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the auspicious climate for science, technology, and innovation in India, lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He cited recent achievements like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, and the development of COVID vaccines, which have significantly transformed India’s global image. Acknowledging PM Modi’s global stature, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the success of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi, where the Global Biofuels Alliance was established, aiding India’s pursuit of the MDG Goals and the ambition to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
Dr. Jitendra also commended the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, underscoring the world’s readiness to be led by India under Prime Minister Modi. Dr. Jitendra Singh credited PM Modi for shaping India into a nation ready to take the lead, emphasizing that India is no longer a follower but a torchbearer on the global stage. He stated, “The world today is ready to be led by India under Prime Minister Modi, who has also gone down in history for turning the G20 into the G21. He has established India’s role as a nation that is no longer going to be led but is ready to lead”.
