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India's Rising Science and Technology Trajectory

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 10:57 GMT by ThePrint

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India’s Rapid Ascent in Science and Technology – A Concise Overview

India’s journey from a post‑colonial economy to a global technology hub is one of the most compelling narratives of the 21st century. Shubhanshu Shukla, in his detailed ThePrint feature “India is rapidly progressing in the field of science and technology,” paints a portrait of a nation that has moved from merely consuming global innovation to becoming a prolific creator of it. The article weaves together policy milestones, statistical progress, and on‑the‑ground successes to argue that India is poised to reshape the world’s science‑and‑tech landscape.

1. A Data‑Driven Transformation

Shukla opens with a quantitative snapshot. India’s research‑and‑development (R&D) expenditure, historically a modest 0.63 % of GDP, has been steadily climbing. While still below the OECD average (≈2.8 % of GDP), the growth rate is accelerating, buoyed by both public and private investment. The same trend is reflected in patent filings: India moved from 4th place in global patent applications in 2016 to the 3rd spot by 2023, signalling a shift from merely copying to truly innovating.

Another key metric highlighted is the rise in the number of PhD graduates and post‑doctoral researchers. The article cites data from the Ministry of Education that shows the number of PhDs awarded in India almost doubled over the last decade. Coupled with a surge in the number of Indian scientists publishing in top‑tier journals, Shukla argues that the country is building a strong talent pipeline that will fuel future breakthroughs.

2. Space: From Chandrayaan to Gaganyaan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is a case study in cost‑effective excellence. Shukla traces India’s space milestones: Chandrayaan‑1 (2008), Chandrayaan‑2 (2019), and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013), the world’s first interplanetary mission launched from a developing country. The success of these missions has not only put India on the map but has also laid the groundwork for the upcoming Gaganyaan programme—India’s first crewed spaceflight. Shukla quotes Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director‑General of ISRO, noting that “Gaganyaan is a culmination of two decades of incremental learning.”

Beyond national pride, the space sector is a driver of ancillary industries. The article references the rise of small‑satellite startups, such as Pixxel and Skyroot Aerospace, which are leveraging ISRO’s launch infrastructure to offer affordable payload services to governments and commercial clients alike.

3. Defence and Indigenous Innovation

India’s defense R&D is another sector where rapid progress is evident. Shukla highlights the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s development of the “Rashmi” autonomous aerial system and the “Akash” surface‑to‑air missile family. The “Kavach” anti‑tank system and the “Vajra” hypersonic missile project illustrate India’s ambition to reduce dependence on foreign imports.

In 2022, India announced a new “Integrated Guided Missile Development Program” (IGMDP) with a 100‑billion‑rupee budget. Shukla points out that such commitments signal a shift from ad‑hoc procurement to a sustained, research‑driven defence strategy. The article links to a government release on the IGMDP for readers seeking deeper technical detail.

4. Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Breakthroughs

India’s “pharmacy of the world” reputation has deepened during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The article notes the rapid development of Covishield (Oxford‑AstraZeneca) and Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) vaccines, underscoring the country’s capacity to translate basic research into life‑saving products. Shukla cites data from the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) indicating that India now ranks among the world’s top three generic drug exporters.

Biotech innovations—especially CRISPR‑based gene editing—have also made headlines. The article references a 2021 study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay that achieved a 95 % efficiency in editing rice genes for drought resistance. Such breakthroughs hold promise for addressing food security in an increasingly arid climate.

5. Digital India and the Startup Ecosystem

The “Digital India” initiative, launched in 2015, is credited with driving a digital revolution. Shukla cites the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a case in point, noting that it has processed over 20 billion transactions in 2023, a 30 % increase year‑on‑year. The rise of fintech startups—Paytm, PhonePe, Razorpay—has democratized access to financial services for millions of unbanked Indians.

The startup ecosystem is another key driver of innovation. The article highlights Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune as the top three hubs for tech startups, with over 1,500 unicorns collectively raising more than US$30 billion in venture capital. Shukla notes that government initiatives such as the Startup India fund and the Atal Innovation Mission are providing seed funding and incubation support to early‑stage ventures.

6. Policy Vision and National Strategy

Central to India’s scientific ascent is the “Science and Technology Vision 2025,” an ambitious roadmap that sets targets for R&D spending, human‑resource development, and international collaboration. Shukla quotes a statement from Dr. Shashikant D. Tiwari, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology: “Our vision is not just to increase numbers, but to enhance the quality and impact of research.”

The article also touches on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which reorients curricula toward critical thinking, STEM, and early exposure to research projects. This policy shift aims to create a generation of “creative problem‑solvers” who can drive innovation.

7. Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the impressive gains, Shukla does not shy away from the obstacles that lie ahead. Brain drain remains a concern, as top scientists often leave for better remuneration abroad. Funding gaps persist in early‑stage research, and infrastructure bottlenecks—such as a shortage of high‑performance computing clusters—limit data‑driven science.

The article calls for sustained investment, streamlined regulatory frameworks, and stronger industry‑academia collaboration. It also urges a greater emphasis on public engagement, noting that science festivals and outreach programs in rural areas can nurture the next generation of Indian innovators.

Key Takeaways

Shubhanshu Shukla’s article, richly referenced and data‑driven, makes a compelling case that India’s rapid progression in science and technology is not a fleeting phenomenon but a sustained, multi‑sector revolution. By integrating policy ambition with on‑the‑ground execution, India is reshaping its destiny from a technology consumer to a global innovation powerhouse.