New Delhi, May 31, 2026 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that the technological transformation witnessed over the past 12 years has laid a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Speaking during a podcast with Doordarshan News, Dr Jitendra Singh asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has evolved from being a technology follower to a technology leader, fundamentally transforming its position in the global scientific and innovation landscape.
“The last twelve years have witnessed India’s transition from a technology follower to a technology leader. The scientific capabilities, innovation ecosystem and technological infrastructure created during this period have laid the foundation of Viksit Bharat @2047,” the Union Minister said.
Dr Singh noted that for decades India largely relied on technologies developed elsewhere and often entered emerging technological domains years after advanced nations. However, he said the country is now actively participating in the development of frontier technologies and, in several sectors, helping shape the future direction of global innovation.
Highlighting the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister said science and technology have been brought to the centre of national policymaking, encouraging private sector participation, innovation-driven entrepreneurship and the translation of scientific research into public benefit.
According to him, this approach has enabled India to build a robust technology ecosystem that simultaneously strengthens economic growth, strategic capability and citizen-centric service delivery.
India Emerging As A Global Technology Power
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s significant progress in frontier sectors such as space technology, nuclear energy, quantum technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and clean energy.
He said these sectors are collectively creating the scientific and technological foundation necessary for transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Space Sector Witnessing Historic Expansion
Referring to India’s rapidly growing space sector, Dr Singh said the opening of the sector to private participation has created one of the world’s most dynamic space ecosystems.
He noted that the number of space startups has grown from single digits to more than 400, while India’s space economy, currently valued at around USD 9 billion, is expected to expand substantially in the coming years.
The Minister said space technology is now playing an increasingly important role in communications, governance, infrastructure planning, disaster management, agriculture and national security.
He also observed that India’s space achievements have inspired a new generation of innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs.
Nuclear Energy Strengthening Self-Reliance
Dr Singh described the advancement of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor as a major milestone in India’s long-term energy strategy.
He said the development advances the three-stage nuclear programme envisioned by Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha and strengthens India’s path towards energy security and self-reliance.
The Minister added that recent reforms allowing greater private sector participation in the nuclear sector have opened fresh opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced energy technology development.
Rapid Progress Under National Quantum Mission
Highlighting achievements under the National Quantum Mission, Dr Singh said India has already achieved nearly half of its target of establishing a 2,000-kilometre quantum communication network within the initial phase of implementation.
He said quantum communication technology will play a vital role in strengthening secure communications, defence preparedness and next-generation digital infrastructure.
According to the Minister, India is steadily positioning itself among the world’s leading nations in the strategic field of quantum science.
Biotechnology To Drive Future Economic Growth
Dr Singh said India is preparing for a biotechnology-driven industrial revolution through the BioE3 Policy.
He stressed that future economies will increasingly depend on advances in biotechnology, genetics and bio-manufacturing, and India is taking proactive steps to establish leadership in these sectors.
The Minister highlighted initiatives in genome sequencing, rare disease diagnosis, indigenous drug development and gene therapy as examples of India’s growing scientific capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence Transforming Governance And Innovation
Speaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr Singh described AI as a transformative force across governance, healthcare, agriculture, communications, scientific research and public service delivery.
He said India is adopting a balanced approach that combines human expertise with AI-powered systems to improve efficiency, innovation and citizen-focused governance.
The IndiaAI Mission, he noted, is creating a strong foundation for future leadership in advanced digital technologies through investments in computing infrastructure, innovation, datasets and emerging applications.
Strong Growth In Innovation Ecosystem
The Minister pointed out that India’s innovation ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the last decade, reflected in rising patent filings, improved rankings in global innovation indices, increasing scientific publications and the country’s emergence as one of the world’s leading startup destinations.
“India is no longer viewed merely as a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere but is increasingly recognised as a nation capable of generating original innovations and solutions for global challenges,” he said.
Clean Energy And Future Growth Sectors
Dr Singh also highlighted India’s diversified clean energy strategy, encompassing nuclear energy, green hydrogen, solar power and emerging ocean-based energy systems.
These initiatives, he said, align with India’s commitment to sustainable development and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
The Minister identified the blue economy, deep ocean resources, Himalayan bio-resources, advanced biotechnology and next-generation manufacturing technologies as key drivers of India’s future growth.
He noted that India possesses unique scientific and natural advantages in these sectors and is well-positioned to convert them into engines of national development.
Foundation For Viksit Bharat 2047
Concluding his remarks, Dr Jitendra Singh said the achievements of the past twelve years should be viewed as the beginning of a much larger national transformation.
He asserted that the scientific confidence, technological capabilities and innovation ecosystem created during this period have positioned India to emerge as a leading global knowledge economy and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
