India sets global benchmarks in space, defence, innovation: Dr Jitendra

New Delhi, Dec 25: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Minister of State in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh Friday said that India has successfully bridged tradition with modernity by preserving core civilisational values while simultaneously embracing cutting-edge technologies, with the ultimate aim to ensure ease of living for common citizen.
He was addressing the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 at the National Sanskrit University here.
The Minister said that India’s transformation into a global science and technology leader over the last decade under PM Narendra Modi has been enabled by decisive policy support from the top political hierarchy.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that over the last one decade, science, technology, and innovation have received unprecedented policy focus and budgetary support since 2014, removing long-standing bottlenecks that earlier constrained India’s scientific potential. He said that the talent pool in the country was never lacking, but enabling ecosystems and political will were missing, which have now been decisively addressed.
Highlighting India’s rapid innovation growth, the Minister said the number of startups has increased from around 300–400 in 2014 to nearly 200,000 today, placing India among the top three startup ecosystems globally. He noted that India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index has improved from 81 to 38, while the country now stands sixth worldwide in patent filings, with more than half of the patents being filed by resident Indians.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that India’s achievements in space and strategic technologies have drawn global attention. He cited the country’s lunar missions, which provided the first confirmed evidence of water on the Moon and achieved the world’s first landing near the lunar south pole. He also highlighted the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, noting that defence exports have reached ₹23,662 crore, with Indian-made systems being supplied to nearly 100 countries.
Referring to recent global developments, the Minister said that India’s indigenous missile and defence technologies have demonstrated their credibility and reliability, leading to growing international demand. He underlined that these capabilities are the result of sustained investments in atomic energy, space, and advanced research over the past decade.
On healthcare, Dr Jitendra Singh said India has emerged as a global leader in preventive healthcare and affordable medical solutions. From developing and sharing COVID-19 vaccines with the world to exporting medical devices and implants worth billions of dollars annually, India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem has gained international trust and recognition.
The Minister also highlighted India’s growing impact in scientific research and publications, stating that the country now ranks fourth globally in scientific paper output and third in citation impact, reflecting both quantitative and qualitative progress in research.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that science in India is no longer confined to laboratories but is being used to enhance ease of living through initiatives such as smart cities, telemedicine, satellite-based communication, geotagging, and digital governance platforms. He said major national missions, including space, nuclear energy, deep ocean exploration, Himalayan research and the Aroma Mission, are opening new frontiers for economic growth and youth entrepreneurship.
The Minister announced that large-scale translation of science textbooks and curricula into regional languages has been undertaken over the last decade to democratise scientific knowledge and education, ensuring that every citizen can participate in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. (PIB)