Ancient Wisdom, Modern Tech: PM Modi Charts India's Path to Self-Reliance
PM Modi highlights India's journey from ancient science to modern breakthroughs in nuclear energy, AI, and semiconductors for a Viksit Bharat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to achieving self-reliance in critical and emerging technologies. Speaking at the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation is not merely adopting new tools but is carrying forward a profound scientific heritage with modern innovation and a renewed sense of confidence.
Rooted in Knowledge, Driven by Innovation
PM Modi reminded the gathering that India's culture has always been intrinsically linked to discovery. He pointed to foundational contributions such as the discovery of zero, the development of the number system, and early advancements in astronomy as evidence of a long-standing intellectual legacy. According to the Prime Minister, today's technological strides are a continuation of this historic pursuit of knowledge.
Nuclear Energy: The Pillar of a 'Viksit Bharat'
With the birth anniversary of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha approaching on October 30, PM Modi focused heavily on the nuclear sector, describing it as a cornerstone for building a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He stressed the urgent need to scale up domestic capabilities to mitigate the risks associated with foreign fuel imports and ensure long-term energy security.
A major highlight of this progress is the recent achievement of the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, which reached its first criticality a few months ago. This milestone is seen as a critical leap forward in India's indigenous nuclear energy program, reducing dependence on exports and strengthening energy independence.
Strategic Strides Across Frontiers
The Prime Minister noted that while the specific requirements of different sectors vary, the underlying message of progress remains consistent across several strategic domains:
- Space Exploration: Continued expansion of India's reach and capabilities.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Integrating smart technology into the national fabric.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Building the hardware foundation for a digital future.
A Blueprint for the World
PM Modi asserted that India's technological solutions are no longer just for domestic use; they are becoming blueprints for both developed nations and the Global South. He cited the Digital Stack and India's 5G technology as prime examples of scalable solutions that can resolve complex problems globally.
Investing in the Future of Research
The Prime Minister underscored that research is the ultimate engine of self-sufficiency. He declared, "Victory to Science, Victory to Research," highlighting the government's aggressive push to fund innovation.
The Financial Push for R&D
The scale of investment in research and development has seen a massive surge. PM Modi revealed that in just one year, a total commitment of 24,000 crore rupees has been made for R&D. This consists of 12,000 crore rupees provided by the government for market-ready lab technologies, which was matched rupee-for-rupee by private investors.
Additionally, he mentioned the rapid momentum of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and recalled a previous pledge to provide one lakh crore rupees dedicated to Research, Development, and Innovation.
Cutting-Edge Healthcare Breakthroughs
Looking toward the future of health tech, the Prime Minister pointed to the ingenuity of Indian startups. He specifically highlighted the development of wearable electroencephalography (EEG) devices, which are designed to monitor and better understand brain activity, showcasing India's ability to innovate at the intersection of medicine and technology.