India Has Evolved From Technology Follower to Technology Leader, Says Jitendra Singh
India has transformed from a technology follower into a technology leader over the past 12 years, according to Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. He made the remarks during a podcast interview with Doordarshan News, highlighting the country’s growing role in developing cutting-edge technologies and shaping global innovation trends.
The Minister said India is no longer merely adopting technologies developed elsewhere but is increasingly contributing to the creation of frontier technologies that will influence the future of science and industry worldwide.
Advances Across Frontier Technologies
Dr Singh pointed to significant progress in several strategic sectors, including space, nuclear energy, quantum technologies, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and clean energy.
According to him, these fields are collectively laying the scientific and technological foundation necessary to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047. The advancements are also helping strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and enhance its global competitiveness.
Furthermore, investments in research, infrastructure and technology-driven industries are expected to accelerate India’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
Artificial Intelligence Driving Transformation
Discussing the growing role of artificial intelligence, Dr Singh described AI as a transformative force with applications across governance, healthcare, agriculture, communications, scientific research and public service delivery.
He said AI is increasingly being integrated into various sectors to improve efficiency, support innovation and enhance service delivery for citizens. The technology is also creating new opportunities for research and development while helping address complex challenges through data-driven solutions.
Moreover, the Minister emphasised that India is pursuing a balanced approach that combines human expertise with AI-enabled systems rather than replacing human involvement entirely.
Focus on Citizen-Centric Governance
Dr Singh noted that the government’s strategy aims to harness technological innovation to create more responsive and citizen-focused governance systems.
By integrating artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies into public services, authorities seek to improve accessibility, transparency and operational efficiency. This approach is intended to ensure that technological progress delivers practical benefits to citizens while supporting broader economic development goals.
In addition, emerging technologies are expected to play a critical role in enhancing productivity across key sectors and strengthening India’s position in the global digital economy.
India’s Space Economy Set for Growth
The Minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s space sector, describing it as one of the country’s most promising areas of technological advancement.
He noted that India’s space economy is currently valued at approximately $9 billion and is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. Increased private-sector participation, technological innovation and expanding commercial opportunities are expected to contribute to this growth.
As India continues to strengthen its capabilities in space exploration, satellite technology and related industries, the sector is likely to become an increasingly important driver of economic and technological progress.
Vision for Developed India by 2047
Dr Singh said the combined progress in frontier technologies is helping create a strong foundation for India’s long-term development ambitions. Advances in artificial intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, quantum computing and clean energy are expected to support sustainable growth and innovation in the decades ahead.
According to the Minister, India’s expanding role in global technology development reflects the country’s ambition to become a leading contributor to scientific advancement while building the capabilities needed to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
With inputs from agencies