New Delhi, May 31 (IANS). Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that in the last 12 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has transformed from a technology follower to a technology leader, thereby laying a strong scientific and technological foundation for the vision of ‘Developed India-2047’.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said during a podcast that India is now rapidly participating in the development of new technologies at the global level and is itself helping to decide the future direction of innovation in many areas.
The Minister said that in the last 12 years, India has traveled the journey from a technology follower to a technology leader. The scientific capabilities, innovation environment and technological infrastructure developed during this period are the foundation of ‘Developed India-2047’.
He said that for decades India mainly adopted technologies that were developed elsewhere, and often moved into new technology areas several years after developed countries.
However, according to him, the country is now establishing itself as a major global innovation hub.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that for decades India mainly adopted technologies that were developed elsewhere. India often entered new technology areas several years after the leading countries. Today, technology is increasingly participating in the development of new technologies globally and, in many areas, is helping to shape the future direction of innovation itself.
Dr Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing science and technology to the center stage of national policy making and promoting private sector participation, innovation-led entrepreneurship and citizen-centric scientific progress.
He said this policy approach has enabled India to build a strong technology ecosystem that simultaneously supports economic growth, strategic capabilities and public service delivery.
The minister said the country has recorded major progress in areas such as space, nuclear energy, quantum technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and clean energy.
“This approach has enabled India to create a technology ecosystem that simultaneously supports economic growth, strategic capabilities and public service delivery,” the minister said.
On the space sector, Dr Singh said that after opening up the sector to private participation, India has developed one of the most dynamic space ecosystems in the world.
He said the number of space startups has grown from single digits to more than 400, while India’s space economy, currently worth about $9 billion, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
–IANS
ASH/VC`
