Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, highlighted the significant advancements made by India in the space sector during the nine years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Speaking at the India Defence Conclave 2023, Dr. Singh noted that Prime Minister Modi’s policy initiatives have encouraged the indigenous design, development, and manufacture of defense equipment, leading to remarkable progress and promoting self-reliance in the defense sector.
India’s defense industry has now attained the capability to manufacture a wide variety of high-end requirements, including tanks, armored vehicles, fighter aircraft, helicopters, warships, submarines, missiles, electronic equipment, special alloys, special-purpose steels, and various types of ammunition.
Dr. Singh emphasized the interconnectedness of the defense and space sectors, both of which have experienced accelerated growth due to the Prime Minister’s efforts in bridging policy gaps and fostering indigenous development. Considering the strategic relevance of space in light of recent global conflicts, Dr. Singh stated that space has emerged as a crucial multi-faceted enabler with unparalleled reach. Many nations are currently focusing on developing their military space capabilities to ensure secure, friendly, and deterrence-based utilization of space while denying such capabilities to adversaries, when necessary.
The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a total cost of Rs. 6003.65 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2030-31. The mission aims to support scientific and industrial research and development in quantum technology (QT) and create a vibrant ecosystem for quantum technologies and applications (QTA) in India. The objective is to accelerate economic growth driven by QT, nurture the country’s ecosystem in this field, and establish India as one of the leading nations in the development of quantum technologies.
Dr. Singh mentioned that India has joined an elite group of countries actively engaged in quantum technology research and development. Notable progress in quantum technologies is being made in countries such as the United States, Canada, France, Finland, China, and Austria. In terms of initiating the mission, all these countries are on par with India.
Regarding the space sector, Dr. Singh highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to open up space for private participation, resulting in the establishment of more than 105 startups in the space sector within a span of three years. He mentioned significant achievements such as the SAARC Satellite Mission in 2017 and the domestic production of five PSLVs (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles) by companies like L&T and HAL. India has also launched 104 satellites in a single mission.
India’s flagship space programs include the Gaganyaan project, also known as the Human Space Flight Centre, which aims to send the country’s first crewed flight to space in 2024 after two trial flights.
Dr. Singh expressed confidence in the strength and innovative potential of India’s young and private industrial enterprises, stating that they will lead the way in disrupting global space technology. He expressed hope that India’s young technology experts will overcome barriers in the field of space technology and seize the limitless opportunities offered by the space domain.
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