NITI Aayog Unveils Roadmap For A Quantum-Powered India

Quantum technologies are on the cusp of becoming one of the most transformative forces of this era, with the potential to reshape healthcare, finance, logistics, materials, energy and national security. Nations that act decisively now will define the next generation of computing, communications and sensing — and shape the global architecture of innovation and trust.

For India, quantum represents an opportunity not merely to adopt a frontier technology, but to lead it from the outset. It forms the foundation for future advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials and secure digital infrastructure. The NITI Aayog roadmap details the actions required to realise this ambition by leveraging the National Quantum Mission. It assesses India’s current capabilities, strategic advantages and critical gaps, and identifies interventions to accelerate R&D, commercial deployment and ecosystem development. The roadmap stresses the need for collective ownership across policymakers, industry, scientists, investors and states.

Shri D. Sridhar Babu emphasised that quantum computing marks a turning point where technology begins solving problems once thought impossible — from drug discovery to climate modelling. He noted Telangana’s focus on deep research, skilled talent and pathways for industrial deployment, with a goal of participating in and shaping the quantum future.

Dr V. K. Saraswat highlighted quantum technologies as a strategic driver of economic growth, national security and scientific progress. He stated that achieving developed-nation status by 2047 will require integrating quantum computing, secure communications, precision sensing and advanced materials across major national missions. He also outlined the milestones needed to strengthen capability, expand talent and build globally competitive platforms.

Shri B. V. R. Subrahmanyam remarked that the next five years will determine whether India becomes a global supplier of quantum technologies or remains a dependent consumer. He called for mobilising India’s deep engineering base, digital public infrastructure and talent to create globally trusted quantum platforms.

Ms Debjani Ghosh noted that global competition in quantum is intensifying, and leadership will hinge on building secure value chains, shaping standards and creating export-ready solutions. She stressed the need to scale research infrastructure, streamline innovation-to-market pathways and cultivate talent, positioning India as a trusted quantum partner for the Global South and beyond.

The roadmap was developed by NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub in collaboration with IBM, with input from an Expert Council comprising leaders from industry and academia. The launch saw strong participation from government, industry and development partners, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing India’s leadership in the emerging quantum economy.