India’s emerging quantum ecosystem strengthened by enabling policy of the Modi government

India’s emerging quantum ecosystem is being strengthened by an enabling policy of the Modi government that is opening greater space for industry and the private sector to participate in frontier technologies, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said today. He said India had the scientific talent, technological capability and industry readiness, but the enabling environment provided by policymakers is now giving stakeholders the confidence to build and scale in quantum technologies.

Addressing PRAGATI Q-FOUNDRY 2026 – NQM Co-development and Venture Partnership Meet at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the National Quantum Mission represents a new approach in which the Government, scientific institutions, startups, industry, investors, States and strategic users are working together to build indigenous capabilities. He said India would not remain a consumer of quantum technologies developed elsewhere and is building capabilities, infrastructure, talent and enterprises to develop these technologies at home and take them to the world.

The Minister highlighted the speed of progress under the National Quantum Mission, noting that the Mission was planned for eight years, but India has already achieved 1,000-km quantum secure communication in about three years, against the 2,000-km target envisaged for the eight-year period. He said achieving half of the target in less than half the planned timeframe demonstrates the capability that has been built within the quantum ecosystem and provides confidence to move ahead with greater speed and resolve.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Member, NITI Aayog, said the progress under the National Quantum Mission demonstrates the importance of bringing together government, academia, startups and industry to build a strong quantum ecosystem.

Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood said the quantum ecosystem is demonstrating that the traditional linear model of taking 10–15 years to move from fundamental science to technology is changing. (UPDATED ON 30TH SEPT 26)