AI And Quantum Technologies To Define India’s Security Future, Says Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday said that India’s future security architecture will be increasingly shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space-based capabilities. Addressing senior officers at the National Defence College, he emphasized that technology-driven warfare is rapidly transforming the global security environment and that India must remain ahead of the technological curve to safeguard its strategic interests.

The minister noted that warfare is evolving from conventional battlefield engagements to highly sophisticated, technology-centric operations. According to him, future military systems will depend heavily on autonomous platforms, intelligent surveillance networks, predictive analytics, cognitive warfare tools, and rapid decision-making mechanisms. He stressed that technological superiority is increasingly becoming the determining factor in modern conflicts, often outweighing traditional measures of military strength.

Highlighting recent global military developments, Singh said advanced technologies have demonstrated their strategic importance in areas such as space operations, communications, surveillance, precision strike systems, and command-and-control networks. He argued that nations capable of integrating these innovations effectively will enjoy significant advantages in both defence preparedness and geopolitical influence.

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The minister also pointed to India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing. He stated that the country’s defence production has increased by nearly 174 per cent since 2014, reaching approximately ₹1.54 lakh crore, while defence exports have expanded nearly 34-fold to over ₹23,000 crore. A significant portion of these exports now comes from private-sector participation, reflecting the growing role of domestic industry in strengthening national security.

Referring to the National Quantum Mission launched in 2023, Singh said India is making substantial investments in quantum-secure communications and post-quantum cryptography. He described the development of secure quantum networks as critical for protecting sensitive military and strategic infrastructure from emerging cyber threats. The minister stressed that future defence preparedness will require continuous innovation and rapid adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

Calling for a collaborative approach, Singh urged stronger partnerships between government agencies, industry, academic institutions, and startups. He said public-private cooperation would be essential to convert scientific research into deployable defence solutions. According to the minister, more than 16,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and hundreds of startups are currently contributing to defence manufacturing and technology development, underscoring the growing ecosystem supporting India’s strategic ambitions.

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