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India has moved from tech follower to global leader in science and innovation: Jitendra Singh

India's Transformation from Tech Follower to Global Leader in Science and Innovation: Insights from Union Minister Jitendra Singh

In a resounding affirmation of India's evolving stature on the world stage, Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh has declared that the country has successfully transitioned from being a mere follower in technology to a frontrunner and global leader in science and innovation. This bold statement was made during a high-profile event organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where Singh highlighted the remarkable strides India has made under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister's address not only celebrated past achievements but also painted an optimistic picture of India's future in the global innovation ecosystem, emphasizing self-reliance, indigenous capabilities, and international collaborations.

Singh's remarks come at a time when India is increasingly recognized for its contributions to cutting-edge fields such as space exploration, biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital technologies. He pointed out that just a decade ago, India was often seen as a nation that adopted technologies developed elsewhere, adapting them to local needs. However, through concerted efforts in policy-making, investment in research and development (R&D), and fostering a culture of innovation, India has flipped the script. "We are no longer chasing the world; the world is now looking to us for solutions," Singh asserted, underscoring a paradigm shift that has positioned India as a key player in addressing global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and sustainable development.

One of the cornerstone examples cited by the minister was India's space program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a soft landing on the lunar south pole in 2023, was hailed as a testament to India's ingenuity and cost-effective approach to space exploration. Unlike previous missions that relied heavily on foreign collaborations, Chandrayaan-3 was largely indigenous, showcasing advancements in propulsion systems, robotics, and data analytics developed by Indian scientists. Singh noted that this achievement not only boosted national pride but also opened doors for international partnerships, with countries like the United States and Japan seeking to collaborate on future lunar and Martian explorations. He emphasized how ISRO's frugal innovation model—achieving high-impact results with minimal budgets—has become a global benchmark, inspiring developing nations to pursue ambitious space goals without exorbitant costs.

Beyond space, Singh delved into India's breakthroughs in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid development and deployment of indigenous vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield demonstrated India's capacity to innovate under pressure. Developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Covaxin was created using inactivated virus technology, a process that involved extensive clinical trials and regulatory approvals. Singh praised this as a prime example of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India), where India not only vaccinated its own population but also exported millions of doses to over 100 countries through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri. This global outreach, he argued, has elevated India's status from a recipient of aid to a provider of life-saving technologies, fostering goodwill and strengthening diplomatic ties.

The minister also highlighted the role of government policies in catalyzing this transformation. Initiatives such as the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, and increased funding for startups have created an enabling environment for innovation. Singh mentioned that R&D expenditure in India has seen a significant uptick, with public and private sectors collaborating more effectively than ever before. For instance, the establishment of innovation hubs and incubators across the country has nurtured a vibrant startup ecosystem, leading to unicorns in fields like fintech, edtech, and healthtech. Companies like Paytm, Byju's, and Zomato, which started as small ventures, now compete globally, thanks to supportive frameworks like Startup India and Digital India.

In the realm of renewable energy, Singh pointed to India's leadership in solar power and green hydrogen initiatives. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), co-founded by India and France, has brought together over 100 countries to promote solar energy adoption. Domestically, the National Solar Mission has driven the installation of massive solar parks, making India one of the top producers of solar energy worldwide. Singh elaborated on how innovations in photovoltaic technology and energy storage solutions, developed by institutions like the National Institute of Solar Energy, are helping India meet its Paris Agreement commitments while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. He envisioned a future where India exports green technologies, contributing to global net-zero goals.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation were another focal point of Singh's address. He noted that India has become a hub for AI research, with initiatives like the National AI Mission aiming to harness AI for sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. The minister cited examples like the use of AI-driven predictive analytics in farming, which helps farmers optimize crop yields and reduce waste, thereby addressing food security challenges. Furthermore, India's digital public infrastructure, including Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has been exported to countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, positioning India as a leader in inclusive digital transformation. Singh stressed that these technologies are not just tools for economic growth but also instruments for social equity, bridging the urban-rural divide.

Singh did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that accompanied this journey. He mentioned the need to address skill gaps, enhance intellectual property protections, and increase women's participation in STEM fields. To this end, programs like the Women Scientists Scheme and scholarships for underrepresented groups are being expanded. He also called for greater industry-academia linkages to translate research into marketable products, ensuring that innovations benefit the common citizen.

Looking ahead, the minister expressed confidence in India's trajectory towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, aligning with the vision of "Viksit Bharat." He highlighted upcoming projects like the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space, and advancements in quantum computing through the National Quantum Mission. These endeavors, he said, will not only advance scientific knowledge but also inspire the youth to pursue careers in science and technology.

In conclusion, Jitendra Singh's speech encapsulates a narrative of resilience, ambition, and achievement. India's metamorphosis from a tech follower to a global leader is not merely a result of isolated successes but a holistic outcome of strategic vision, collaborative efforts, and unwavering commitment to innovation. As the world grapples with complex issues, India's model of inclusive and sustainable progress offers valuable lessons. By continuing to invest in human capital, fostering international partnerships, and prioritizing ethical innovation, India is poised to not only lead but also shape the future of global science and technology. This transformation, as Singh aptly put it, is a beacon of hope for emerging economies worldwide, proving that with determination and ingenuity, any nation can rise to prominence on the global stage.

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