New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India must innovate and lead the world in shaping the technologies of tomorrow. Speaking at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave in New Delhi, Mr Modi said India must embrace the technologies of the future, innovate boldly and lead the world in creating them. He stressed that a Viksit Bharat will be built on strong foundations of scientific research, discoveries and the spirit of innovation. The Prime Minister stated that the nation is rapidly advancing its Fast Breeder Reactor technology. He highlighted that just a few months ago, the 500-Megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor successfully achieved first criticality.
Mr Modi said that science truly succeeds when it steps out of the lab, improves the lives of common citizens, solves massive problems, and strengthens healthcare, agriculture, education, employment, and disaster resilience. He also highlighted that over the past year, the government has committed 12 thousand crore rupees to market-ready lab technologies, matched equally by 12 thousand crore rupees from private investors. He noted that annual patent filings have grown from fewer than 50,000 ten years ago to nearly 1.5 lakh last year, reflecting a deeper structural shift beyond mere numbers.
Mr Modi said India aims to achieve self-reliance and build strength in critical technologies. He highlighted that the India of the 21st Century is moving ahead with a new mindset and newfound confidence. He stated that the goal is to create new technology for India, for the world, for today, and for the days to come.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has said that India has established its position in science, innovation and technological capabilities, and the world is looking at the country with respect and admiration. He added that the international conference is witnessing enthusiastic participation, with thousands of experts and delegates joining the event on Indian soil.
Prime Minister Modi also visited different sections of the exhibition and interacted with people. The exhibition includes around 150 deep-tech startup stalls, which will highlight technological developments and their potential applications across sectors.
The three-day Conclave brings together leading scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, startups and international experts to deliberate on emerging technologies and India’s science, technology and innovation priorities. The deliberations will span 12 thematic areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, climate and ocean sciences. Discussions will focus on research priorities, national capabilities and translating scientific advances into practical applications.
[AIR news]