New Delhi: Bharat today is armed with state-of-the-art technology in the Defense sector, as stated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday.
Contrary to the past, our Armed Forces are now equipped with advanced weaponry, including drones, heliborne operations, and UAVs. They are prepared to adapt to new frontiers such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security, according to him.
Dr Jitendra Singh delivered this address at the Indian Military Heritage Festival, organized by the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi. The Minister highlighted that India is on par with leading nations in adopting new disruptive technologies, which have the potential to transform the defense landscape. This not only bolsters the country’s national security but also establishes India as a global technology leader in the defense sector.
“Gone are the days when our forces used outdated weapons. We are among the seven elite countries in the world that are utilizing Quantum Technology,” he added. “In line with this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Quantum Mission in March this year.”
The S&T Minister mentioned that ‘i-Hub Quantum’, established at IISER, Pune, is focused on Quantum Technologies and the development of atom interferometry-based sensing and navigation devices. Moreover, the TIH at IIT Madras, known as IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, is engaged in developing a secure mobile phone for defense personnel. Additionally, the TIH at IIT Roorkee, namely, iHUB Divya Sampark, supports IDR Doot Mk-1, India’s first indigenous Nano drone, aiding the Indian Armed Forces during counter-terrorist/counter-insurgency and room intervention operations. The minister also pointed out the work of i-Hub Quantum, established at IISER, Pune, working in the area of Quantum Technologies, developing atom interferometry-based sensing and navigation devices. Additionally, the TIH at IIT Mandi, known as Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Foundation, is developing the Naval Combat Management System (NCMS), and the TIH at IISc Bengaluru is working on integrated robotic joint actuators for precise control of automation systems, among others.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that these disruptive technologies are continuously evolving, and their impact on military operations will continue to expand. Adapting to and harnessing these technologies will be vital for maintaining military superiority and national security in the modern era.
According to Dr Jitendra Singh, this is the best time for India concerning Science, Technology, and Innovations under the capable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The success stories of Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1, and Covid vaccines have significantly contributed to the transformation of India’s global image.
Dr Jitendra Singh also remarked that PM Modi has emerged as the most prominent leader in the world, particularly after the recent successful G20 Summit in New Delhi. The establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance, announced during the G20 Summit, will significantly contribute to India’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2070.
Praising the admission of the African Union into the G20, the Minister emphasized that the New Delhi Summit clearly demonstrates that “the world today is ready to be led by India under Prime Minister Modi, who has also made history by turning G20 into G21.”
Dr Jitendra Singh concluded by stating, “He has positioned India as a nation that is no longer content with being led, but is ready to take the lead.”