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India's Science Minister Announces 1.5-Fold Increase in R&D Budget Over Next Five Years

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 2:27 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Science and Technology: The Cornerstone of India’s Future – A Summary of Minister Arjun Ram’s Key Speech

On 13 September 2025, Minister of Science and Technology Arjun Ram delivered a landmark address that has already begun to shape the narrative of India’s development trajectory. Speaking at a high‑profile press conference in New Delhi, the minister underscored that “science and technology are not merely instruments of progress but the very engines that will drive India’s future prosperity.” His remarks, drawn from a broader policy blueprint unveiled earlier in the year, weave together ambition, pragmatism, and a clear roadmap for the next decade.

1. The Core Message

At the heart of Ram’s speech is the conviction that technological innovation must become the nation’s default mode of problem‑solving. He called on policymakers, industry leaders, and academia to treat research and development (R&D) not as an optional extra but as a strategic imperative. “If we wish to keep pace with the global shift toward digital economies, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, we must invest in our own science,” he said.

Ram’s tone was not merely motivational; he laid out concrete targets: a 1.5‑fold increase in the national R&D budget over the next five years, the creation of 200 new research clusters, and a doubling of public‑private partnership (PPP) projects in high‑tech sectors.

2. The “Science First” Policy Framework

The speech was anchored around a recently launched “Science First” framework, a set of policies that re‑prioritizes funding allocation and institutional reforms. Key pillars include:

Ram highlighted the synergy between these pillars, explaining how a strong domestic R&D ecosystem would attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and facilitate the transfer of critical technologies.

3. Emphasis on Green and Digital Transformation

In line with the Indian government’s recent commitments under the Paris Agreement, Ram emphasized the central role of clean technology. He announced a new National Hydrogen Initiative that will fund 50 gigawatt‑equivalent hydrogen production plants by 2035, targeting an annual supply of 4 million tonnes of green hydrogen. The minister also stressed the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining governance, healthcare, and agricultural productivity.

The speech referenced the Ministry’s earlier launch of the “AI for All” program, which offers low‑cost AI modules to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ram’s remarks were followed by a link to the official Ministry of Science and Technology website (link: https://science-technology.gov.in) where stakeholders can apply for funding under the new scheme.

4. Collaborative Frameworks and Industry Engagement

Ram urged the private sector to move from “contributory” to “collaborative” participation in R&D. He announced a PPP model wherein industry will co‑fund research centers with state agencies, ensuring that innovation is market‑driven. To kick this off, the Ministry will host a “Technology Investor Forum” in Bengaluru, scheduled for October, which will bring together venture capitalists, corporate R&D heads, and academic leaders.

A key point was the creation of a “Technology Transfer Office” at each major university, tasked with turning academic breakthroughs into commercial products. “The gap between lab and market has to close,” Ram asserted.

5. International Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange

Recognizing that science is a global endeavour, Ram cited the Ministry’s recent MoU with the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, which will allow Indian researchers to access €2 billion in joint grants over five years. He also highlighted a partnership with the United Nations’ “Science for Sustainable Development” initiative.

A noteworthy link was provided to the “India–EU Horizon Europe Collaboration” portal, offering details on application procedures for research teams.

6. Monitoring, Accountability, and Future Milestones

Ram concluded by outlining an accountability framework that will use a digital dashboard to track R&D outputs, grant utilization, and start‑up incubation outcomes. The dashboard will be publicly available and updated quarterly, ensuring transparency and encouraging community feedback.

He also previewed a forthcoming “National Science and Technology Summit” in 2026, where the Ministry will assess progress and recalibrate strategies. The event will be livestreamed and accompanied by a real‑time Q&A portal, fostering direct dialogue between the government and innovators.

7. Reactions and Implications

The speech has sparked widespread enthusiasm across India’s scientific community. The Indian Academy of Sciences’ president, Prof. Anil Kumar, praised the “bold vision” and urged the academy to accelerate patent filings. Meanwhile, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) welcomed the increased funding but cautioned that bureaucratic reforms will be critical to ensure efficient utilization of resources.

Analysts see the minister’s address as a decisive step toward making India a self‑reliant technology hub, echoing the broader “Make in India” narrative while also signalling a deeper commitment to sustainability and digital inclusivity.

8. Bottom Line

Arjun Ram’s 13 September speech is a rallying call that positions science and technology at the very core of India’s growth strategy. By tying R&D spending to measurable outcomes, encouraging public‑private partnerships, and fostering international collaboration, the minister has laid out a multi‑layered blueprint that aims to turn India from a consumer of technology into a global innovator.

As the government moves to operationalise the “Science First” framework, the coming years will be critical for validating whether the ambitious targets translate into tangible breakthroughs—whether in green energy, AI, biotechnology, or space technology. For stakeholders, the message is clear: invest, collaborate, and innovate, for the nation’s future hinges on how effectively India harnesses the power of science and technology.