India No Longer a Follower, Now a Global Co-Creator: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh declares India a global co-creator of technology, highlighting massive growth in startups, space, and bio-economy.
India has transitioned from being a mere follower in the realm of global innovation to becoming a powerhouse that contributes actively to the creation of new technologies and solutions. This bold assertion was made by Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh during the inaugural session of the three-day ESTIC 2026 conference in New Delhi.
Addressing a gathering of thousands of experts and delegates, including three Nobel laureates, the Minister emphasized that the nation's scientific and technological capabilities have fundamentally shifted its international standing. He noted that India is no longer just a collaborator but has evolved into a global co-creator, signaling a departure from the limitations of the 20th century.
A Shift in the Innovation Ecosystem
The theme of ESTIC 2026, 'Creative Minds, Catalysing Science, Empowering Technologies', serves as a testament to India's rising confidence. Minister Singh pointed out a critical historical gap: while India never lacked talent or a strong work ethic, it previously lacked the necessary enabling environment and ecosystem to fully realize its potential.
Recalling the early days of Indian science, Singh evoked the image of Vikram Sarabhai carrying scientific equipment on a bicycle, symbolizing the grit and passion of Indian scientists who worked despite limited institutional support. He stated that the void left by previous political leadership was filled after 2014 through strategic policy initiatives.
The Impact of Leadership and Policy
The Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering an atmosphere conducive to research and innovation. He highlighted how the government has opened doors for the private sector to venture into high-stakes areas such as space and nuclear energy.
According to Singh, the Prime Minister's commitment to science has been evident in his Red Fort Independence Day addresses since 2014. Key milestones mentioned include:
- The development of COVID-19 vaccines
- The Gaganyaan mission
- The Deep Ocean Mission
- The Digital India initiative
- Advancements in biotechnology
Furthermore, the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation was described as a pivotal step in strengthening the country's research infrastructure.
Explosive Growth Across Key Sectors
The Minister provided staggering figures to illustrate India's rapid ascent in the global tech landscape. He recalled the announcement of a Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation Fund during ESTIC 2025, which has acted as a catalyst for growth.
The Numbers of Progress:
- Startup Ecosystem: India has surged from having just 350 startups to a massive 2.5 lakh, securing the third position globally.
- Space Economy: From a negligible presence, the sector has expanded to a valuation of USD 9 billion.
- Bio-economy: The sector has seen a meteoric rise from USD 10 billion to nearly USD 200 billion.
Minister Singh concluded that these achievements prove that today's India is future-ready, moving away from the shadows of the past to lead the world in scientific progress.