India’s High-Tech Horizon: PM Modi’s Bold Push for Innovation and R&D

As India looks ahead to its centenary of independence in 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat—a fully developed nation powered by self-reliance, innovation, and technology leadership. Over the past decade, India has already witnessed transformative strides in digital connectivity, space exploration, and indigenous defence production. But the next frontier lies in high-end research and development (R&D), where the government is investing unprecedented resources to position India not just as a consumer of technology, but as a global creator and exporter.

PM Modi schemes are aimed at building military-industrial complex in India | Hindustan Times

The RDI Scheme: Unlocking Private Sector Innovation

At the heart of this vision is the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, launched in July 2025 with a massive ₹1 lakh crore corpus. Unlike earlier models that relied heavily on government labs, this scheme places the private sector and startups at the centre of innovation. Funds are being channelled through a multi-tiered structure, with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) acting as custodian and second-level managers responsible for disbursement in the form of long-term low-interest loans or equity support.

This new approach reflects a strategic shift: prioritizing projects that address national priorities such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and clean energy. By supporting high-risk, high-reward deep-tech ventures, the scheme aims to strengthen India’s capacity to compete with global leaders like the U.S., Germany, and South Korea.

National Quantum Mission: India’s Leap into the Future

Among the flagship initiatives is the National Quantum Mission (NQM), approved in 2023 with a budget of ₹6,003 crore spread over eight years. The mission has a singular goal: to catapult India into the elite club of nations leading in quantum technologies. Four major hubs in premier institutions—such as IISc Bengaluru and IIT Delhi—are spearheading research in quantum computing, communication, materials, and sensing.

The mission envisions the development of quantum computers ranging from 50 to 1000 qubits, quantum key distribution systems for secure communication, and advanced quantum materials. Already, collaborations between the government and private firms such as Bengaluru-based QpiAI, which recently raised US$32 million, demonstrate the momentum building around India’s quantum ecosystem. States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are complementing national efforts by setting up dedicated quantum infrastructure, including a “Quantum Valley” in Amaravati and a proposed “Quantum City” in Bengaluru.

Building Capacity in AI and Supercomputing

The government is also scaling up India’s artificial intelligence and supercomputing ecosystem. Through the IndiaAI compute portal, over 34,000 GPUs are being made available at subsidized rates, offering startups and universities access to advanced computational power at a fraction of global costs. Similarly, the National Supercomputing Mission has already delivered 34 world-class supercomputers across the country, democratizing access to high-end research tools for institutions even in Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

This expansion of computational infrastructure is vital for industries ranging from drug discovery and weather forecasting to defence and financial modelling. By ensuring that both startups and academia can experiment with advanced tools, India is laying the groundwork for an inclusive and innovation-driven knowledge economy.

Green Energy and Sustainable Technology

Technological self-reliance is not limited to computing and defence. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, supported by a ₹400 crore dedicated R&D framework, represents India’s commitment to building leadership in clean energy. With the global energy transition accelerating, India aims to become a hub for green hydrogen production and export. This mission aligns with broader sustainability goals while offering enormous economic opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Strengthening Research Ecosystems

Another important step has been the creation of Vigyan Dhara, a unified scheme consolidating multiple R&D initiatives with an outlay of over ₹10,000 crore. This programme strengthens institutional infrastructure, supports research fellowships, and nurtures emerging talent. In addition, the One Nation, One Subscription policy is making global scientific journals accessible to nearly 1.8 crore students and researchers across 6,300 institutions, ensuring that knowledge is no longer a barrier for young innovators.

Patent filings in India have also doubled in the past decade, reflecting both the policy push and the growing confidence of Indian researchers. With research parks, incubation centres, and startup ecosystems expanding rapidly, the country is building the foundations for a robust innovation culture.

Defence and Creative Industries in the Innovation Mix

The push for self-reliance extends deeply into the defence sector, where private players are now contributing to the design and production of advanced systems such as missiles, radars, and fighter aircraft. Budgetary allocations for defence R&D have steadily increased, ensuring that India’s security needs are met through indigenous capabilities.

At the same time, the government is supporting the fast-growing animation, gaming, and extended reality industry through initiatives like the National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai. With India’s gaming population now exceeding 440 million, this sector has the potential to become a major contributor to the digital economy, blending creativity with cutting-edge technology.

Challenges on the Path Ahead

Despite these ambitious programmes, challenges remain. Building a skilled workforce in quantum science, AI, and advanced materials requires significant investment in education and training. Infrastructure gaps in areas like chip fabrication and cryogenics still create dependencies on imports. Moreover, deep-tech ventures are inherently risky, and ensuring transparent, efficient fund disbursement will be crucial for sustaining momentum.

India also faces stiff global competition. While the U.S., China, and Europe are investing heavily in frontier technologies, India must capitalize on its unique strengths: a large talent pool, cost advantages, and a rapidly maturing startup ecosystem.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is deeply anchored in research, development, and innovation, marking a transformative step towards technological sovereignty. With initiatives like the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, India is shifting the innovation landscape by empowering private players and startups to lead in deep-tech sectors such as semiconductors, AI, biotechnology, and clean energy. The National Quantum Mission, AI infrastructure expansion, and the establishment of advanced supercomputing facilities reflect the government’s determination to place India among the world’s most advanced knowledge economies. These programmes ensure that India is no longer merely a consumer of technology but a creator and exporter, capable of shaping global trends in frontier sciences.

Equally significant is the focus on sustainable energy and inclusive research ecosystems. With the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Vigyan Dhara programme, and the One Nation, One Subscription policy, India is building both capacity and accessibility in cutting-edge knowledge fields. Defence indigenization, the rise of quantum hubs, and the support for creative digital industries like gaming and extended reality demonstrate how diverse sectors are being integrated into a self-reliant technological framework. Challenges such as skill development, infrastructure gaps, and global competition remain, but India’s robust talent pool, strong startup culture, and visionary leadership give it the momentum to overcome these barriers and emerge as a global innovation powerhouse.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, PIB, Times of India)