In April 2023, India embarked on a transformative journey by launching the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a strategic initiative designed to catapult the nation into the global vanguard of quantum technology. With a substantial investment of Rs 6,003.65 crore over an eight-year period, the mission is poised to revolutionize quantum computing, secure communication, materials science, and metrology. The goal is clear: to ensure India's strong foothold in the rapidly evolving quantum domain while securing its strategic and economic interests in an increasingly digitalized and technology-driven world.
The Genesis of the
National Quantum Mission
The seeds of the NQM were sown in 2020 when the Indian government announced the National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA), allocating Rs 8,000 crore over five years to develop quantum computing, communication, and allied applications. However, due to unforeseen delays and the need for a more focused approach, the mission underwent significant restructuring, culminating in the launch of NQM in 2023. This evolution underscores India's growing recognition of quantum technology as an indispensable tool for national security, economic development, and scientific innovation.
Globally, the race for quantum dominance has been intensifying. The United States, China, and the European Union have been leading the charge, investing billions into quantum research. The U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) provided a structured approach to quantum research, backed by an initial allocation of $3.8 billion. China, demonstrating its aggressive pursuit of quantum supremacy, has committed over $15.3 billion and successfully launched the QUESS satellite, establishing a quantum-encrypted communication network between Beijing and Shanghai. India, by launching the NQM, is staking its claim in this high-stakes technological frontier.
Strategic Deliverables
of the NQM
India’s quantum aspirations are deeply rooted in a series of well-defined objectives. One of the most ambitious goals of the mission is to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with capacities ranging from 50 to 1,000 physical qubits. These computers, employing superconducting and photonic technologies, will perform computations that far exceed the capabilities of classical systems, opening avenues for advancements in cryptography, optimization problems, and artificial intelligence.
Another crucial component of the mission is the establishment of secure quantum communication networks. The initiative aims to develop a 2,000-km quantum key distribution (QKD) network over existing optical fiber infrastructure while also exploring satellite-based quantum communication within India and beyond its borders. Given the growing threat of cyber warfare and espionage, such networks will play a pivotal role in safeguarding national security and financial systems. China’s QUESS satellite has already demonstrated the potential of quantum encryption, and India's focused investments aim to achieve similar, if not superior, capabilities.
Beyond computing and communication, the NQM prioritizes the development of quantum materials and devices. Research into superconductors, semiconductor structures, and novel quantum materials is essential for practical quantum applications. These materials will drive innovations in sensor technology, defense systems, and navigation tools, further reinforcing India’s technological self-reliance.
Quantum metrology and sensing represent another frontier where the NQM seeks breakthroughs. By developing high-precision magnetometers, atomic clocks, and gravimeters, India aims to enhance its defense capabilities, geolocation accuracy, and deep-space exploration initiatives. Quantum sensors hold immense potential in military applications, from submarine detection to advanced surveillance, giving nations with quantum prowess a significant strategic edge.
Thematic Hubs:
Catalysts for Research and Innovation
To ensure the seamless execution of the NQM’s objectives, India has established four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) dedicated to specific quantum domains. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru spearheads quantum computing research, while the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in New Delhi focus on secure quantum communication. IIT Bombay (IIT-B) leads quantum sensing and metrology research, and IIT Delhi (IIT-D) specializes in quantum materials and device development. Collectively, these hubs involve 152 researchers from 43 institutions across the country, fostering a robust ecosystem of collaboration and innovation.
Milestones and
Breakthroughs
Since its inception, the NQM has already achieved significant progress. In March 2021, ISRO successfully demonstrated free-space quantum communication over 300 meters, including live video conferencing with quantum-key-encrypted signals. In August 2024, a landmark achievement was recorded when scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) completed end-to-end testing of a 6-qubit quantum processor based on superconducting circuit technology. Additionally, India has forged international collaborations under the Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism, reinforcing its commitment to quantum research and innovation.
India's Place in the
Global Quantum Race
As the global quantum race accelerates, India’s initiatives must be viewed within the broader geopolitical and technological landscape. The United States continues to lead in quantum research, with federal and private sector investments surpassing $3.8 billion. China, through its state-backed funding of over $15.3 billion, has made notable advances in quantum computing and encryption technologies. Meanwhile, the European Union has committed over $1 billion towards quantum computing and communication research, recognizing the strategic importance of this technology.
India’s entry into this competitive domain is not merely about technological advancement but also about securing national interests. Quantum technologies are poised to redefine cybersecurity, economic modeling, defense strategies, and space exploration. The ability to decrypt traditional encryption methods using quantum computers presents both an opportunity and a significant security risk. Consequently, India’s parallel investments in post-quantum cryptography are crucial to maintaining cybersecurity resilience in an era of quantum-powered computing.
The Road Ahead:
Challenges and Opportunities
While the National Quantum Mission has positioned India on a promising trajectory, challenges remain. The development of scalable quantum hardware, error correction in quantum systems, and the creation of a skilled workforce proficient in quantum technologies are critical hurdles that must be addressed. Furthermore, quantum supremacy is not merely a technological race but also a matter of policy and regulatory foresight. Ensuring that India’s quantum advancements translate into commercial and defense applications will require sustained government support, international collaborations, and robust public-private partnerships.
As space systems and global communication networks become increasingly reliant on quantum technology, securing these assets has become imperative. Space-based quantum communication and advanced satellite systems will play a decisive role in both civilian and military operations, reinforcing the need for India to establish a stronghold in quantum-enabled security infrastructure.
The quantum revolution
is unfolding at an unprecedented pace, and India's strategic investments today
will determine its position in the technology-driven world of tomorrow. With a
well-structured roadmap, collaborative research efforts, and an unwavering
commitment to innovation, India is poised to emerge as a formidable player in
the global quantum landscape. The journey has begun, and the future of India’s
quantum dominance looks promising, provided it continues to push the boundaries
of research, investment, and application.
(Views
are personal. Email: dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
