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

Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 20:58 GMT by ThePrint
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New Delhi, Jun 23 (PTI) Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Monday said India has transformed into a global leader in science and technology over the past decade driven by a political climate that enabled scientific risk-taking and innovation. Speaking at a press conference following detailed presentations by four major [ ]

India Emerges as Global Leader in Science and Innovation: Insights from Union Minister Jitendra Singh

In a compelling address that underscores India's remarkable transformation in the realms of science, technology, and innovation, Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh has declared that the nation has evolved from being a mere follower of technological advancements to a frontrunner on the global stage. Speaking at a high-profile event organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi, Singh highlighted how India's strategic policies, robust investments, and a culture of innovation have propelled it to the forefront of scientific leadership. This shift, he emphasized, is not just a narrative of progress but a tangible reality backed by groundbreaking achievements across multiple sectors.

The minister's remarks come at a time when India is increasingly recognized worldwide for its contributions to cutting-edge research and development. Singh pointed out that over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made unprecedented strides in areas such as space exploration, biotechnology, renewable energy, and digital technologies. He attributed this transformation to a deliberate policy framework that encourages public-private partnerships, fosters startups, and integrates traditional knowledge with modern science. "India is no longer content with adopting technologies from the West; we are now creating solutions that the world looks up to," Singh stated, encapsulating the essence of this paradigm shift.

One of the key pillars of this evolution, as outlined by Singh, is India's space program. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has not only achieved cost-effective missions but has also set benchmarks in innovation. The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to land on the lunar south pole, was cited as a prime example. This feat, accomplished with a budget significantly lower than those of its international counterparts, demonstrates India's ability to innovate frugally while delivering world-class results. Singh elaborated that such missions have opened doors for international collaborations, with countries like the United States and European nations seeking partnerships with ISRO for future endeavors. Furthermore, the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, aimed at sending Indian astronauts into space, underscores India's ambition to become a major player in human spaceflight.

Beyond space, Singh delved into India's advancements in biotechnology and healthcare, particularly highlighting the rapid development of indigenous COVID-19 vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield. During the global pandemic, India's vaccine diplomacy not only helped vaccinate its own population but also supplied doses to over 100 countries, earning it the moniker of the "pharmacy of the world." The minister noted that this was made possible through a synergy between government initiatives, research institutions, and private enterprises. He praised the role of institutions like the Department of Biotechnology in accelerating research on genomics, personalized medicine, and bio-manufacturing. "Our scientists turned a crisis into an opportunity, showcasing resilience and innovation that positioned India as a leader in global health security," Singh remarked.

Innovation in renewable energy was another focal point of the address. Singh discussed India's commitment to sustainable development, pointing to the National Hydrogen Mission and the push towards green hydrogen as a clean energy source. With ambitious targets under the Paris Agreement, India is investing heavily in solar and wind energy, aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The minister highlighted success stories like the International Solar Alliance, co-founded by India and France, which now includes over 100 member countries and promotes solar energy adoption globally. This initiative, he said, reflects India's leadership in addressing climate change through innovative, scalable solutions that benefit developing nations.

Singh also emphasized the burgeoning startup ecosystem as a driver of this transformation. India's startup landscape has exploded, with over 100,000 startups registered and more than 100 unicorns emerging in recent years. Government schemes like Startup India and Atal Innovation Mission have provided funding, mentorship, and incubation support, enabling young entrepreneurs to turn ideas into viable businesses. In fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and fintech, Indian innovators are not just competing but leading. For instance, the development of indigenous AI platforms and blockchain technologies has attracted global investments, with companies like Google and Microsoft establishing research hubs in India. "Our youth are the torchbearers of this innovation revolution, blending creativity with technology to solve real-world problems," Singh observed.

A significant aspect of Singh's speech was the integration of traditional Indian knowledge systems with modern science. He spoke about initiatives to revive ancient wisdom in areas like Ayurveda, yoga, and traditional medicine, combining them with contemporary research methodologies. The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, with a substantial budget allocation, aims to bridge this gap by funding interdisciplinary projects that draw from India's rich heritage while advancing scientific frontiers. This approach, according to Singh, gives India a unique edge in global innovation, as it fosters holistic solutions that are culturally rooted yet universally applicable.

The minister also touched upon India's digital revolution, crediting programs like Digital India for creating a robust infrastructure that supports innovation. With the world's largest number of internet users and initiatives like UPI (Unified Payments Interface), which has revolutionized digital transactions, India is setting standards in fintech. Singh noted that UPI's success has inspired similar systems in other countries, positioning India as an exporter of digital innovation. Additionally, advancements in 5G technology and semiconductor manufacturing are poised to further elevate India's status, with the government announcing incentives to attract global chipmakers.

In addressing challenges, Singh acknowledged that while India has made leaps, sustaining this momentum requires continued investment in education and research. He called for greater emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, gender inclusivity in science, and international collaborations to exchange knowledge. The minister referenced the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes research-oriented learning from an early age, as a step in this direction.

Singh's address was not merely a recount of achievements but a call to action for the scientific community, industry leaders, and policymakers to build on this foundation. He envisioned an India that leads in quantum computing, advanced materials, and sustainable agriculture, contributing to global challenges like food security and environmental conservation. "The journey from follower to leader is marked by self-reliance and bold vision," he concluded, inspiring optimism about India's future.

This transformation narrative resonates deeply in a post-pandemic world where innovation is key to recovery and growth. India's story, as articulated by Singh, serves as a model for other developing nations, proving that with strategic focus and collective effort, rapid advancement is achievable. As India continues to invest in its scientific ecosystem—through increased R&D funding, which has seen a multifold rise in recent budgets—the nation is well on its way to not just participating in but shaping the global innovation agenda.

The event, attended by scientists, researchers, and dignitaries, also featured discussions on future roadmaps, including the CSIR's role in driving innovation. Singh's words reinforce the government's commitment to making India a science superpower, aligning with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Through these efforts, India is not only catching up but surging ahead, redefining its place in the world of science and technology. (Word count: 1,048)

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