NEW DELHI: India is now among the world’s leading nations in several advanced technologies, including quantum technology, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh said.
Speaking at Digit India’s Top Appliance Awards 2026, Singh highlighted the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on access to education and opportunities.
Responding to a question on when India would emerge as a global manufacturing hub, Singh said the country was witnessing rapid progress in both manufacturing and technology.
“The progress is happening at a very fast pace, both in manufacturing and technology. Unlike a decade and a half ago, today we are at the same level as any other country in the world,” he said.
India’s space achievements
Singh also highlighted India’s achievements in space exploration, citing the Chandrayaan missions as an example of the country’s technological capabilities.
He pointed to the discovery of evidence of water molecules on the Moon by Chandrayaan, contrasting it with the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
“Whether it is the United States landing Neil Armstrong on the Moon’s surface in 1969… they did not see any water around. It was our Chandrayaan that went and brought proof of the presence of water from there, H2O molecules,” Singh said.
The minister also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s space sector following its opening to private companies. He said the government’s decision to allow greater private-sector participation had helped accelerate growth and innovation in the industry.
Singh also spoke about the government’s move to open the nuclear energy sector to private participation, describing it as another step towards expanding India’s technological and industrial capabilities.
