NewKerala.com

India Must Lead in Critical Tech for Sovereignty: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh stressed India's need to lead in critical and emerging technologies for technological sovereignty. Addressing the PAN-IIT Alumni Conference virtually, he said India must become a creator and driver of innovation, not just a consumer. He linked this vision to the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, highlighting space, biotech, and deep-tech startups as signs of progress. Singh called for collaboration between academia, industry, and government in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and quantum.

Key Points: India Must Lead in Critical Tech for Sovereignty: Dr Jitendra Singh

  • India must transition from tech consumer to creator for sovereignty
  • Critical sectors include AI, semiconductors, robotics, quantum
  • Diaspora, especially IIT alumni, key to global innovation links
  • Viksit Bharat 2047 goal hinges on science, tech, innovation
2 min read

India must lead in critical technologies to ensure tech sovereignty: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says India must lead in critical technologies like AI, semiconductors, and quantum to secure tech sovereignty and global rise.

"India can no longer remain merely a consumer of technology and must instead become a creator, designer and global driver of innovation. - Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, April 26

India must emerge as a global leader in critical and emerging technologies to secure its technological sovereignty and define its place in the world order, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.

Addressing the PAN-IIT Alumni Conference in Los Angeles virtually, Singh asserted that India can no longer remain merely a consumer of technology and must instead become a creator, designer and global driver of innovation.

"This shift is essential for the country to shape its global rise and safeguard long-term strategic interests," he noted.

Speaking to a gathering of IIT alumni, including global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors, the minister highlighted that India stands at a defining moment in its development journey.

He linked this vision to the broader goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, where science, technology, and innovation will form the backbone of economic growth and global influence.

Singh pointed to India's expanding space programme, rapid progress in biotechnology, and the emergence of deep-tech startups as signs of the country's growing technological capabilities.

"These advancements demonstrate India's potential to compete globally in high-impact sectors," Dr Singh explained.

Emphasising the importance of the Indian diaspora, particularly IIT alumni, he described them as key connectors between India and global innovation ecosystems.

"Their contributions through investments, mentorship, and institutional collaborations have played a crucial role in strengthening India's development trajectory," he noted.

The minister also acknowledged the role of the Indian Institutes of Technology in building the country's technological leadership, with alumni leading global corporations, driving cutting-edge research, and influencing public policy.

However, he added that the focus must now shift towards identifying and investing in the next frontier of growth.

Highlighting sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technologies, Singh said these domains will be critical for national security, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.

He called for deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and government, along with new models of education and institution-building.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's inspiring to see our ministers speaking at global forums. But honestly, the real work happens on ground - need to fix our R&D funding, reduce red tape, and actually support startups. Our IIT alumni are doing amazing work abroad, but we need reasons for them to return or invest back home more easily.
R
Rohit P
Good intentions but execution is key. We've heard similar speeches for years. Meanwhile, China and US are racing ahead in quantum and AI. India needs to stop being a 'follower' and start leading in at least 2-3 niche areas where we have natural advantage. Space tech and biotech are good bets.
K
Kavya N
As an IIT alum working in Silicon Valley, I can say the diaspora is eager to contribute. But visa issues, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of IP protection remain barriers. If the government can streamline these, we can truly build a bridge between India and global innovation hubs. Viksit Bharat 2047 is achievable if we act now.
A
Aman W
Very well said! But let's also not forget basic infrastructure - we need better internet penetration, reliable power, and skilled workforce for these technologies to thrive. Can't build a tech superpower if half our villages still struggle with connectivity. Hope the roadmap includes grassroots development too.
J
James A
Interesting perspective from an American context. India has the talent pool but needs to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The PAN-IIT network is powerful - hope they can create tangible projects rather than just networking events. Quantum and AI are the right priorities for strategic autonomy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50