India is rapidly accelerating its progress in the fields of science and technology, with several landmark announcements made over the past day, predominantly at the ongoing India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi. These developments underscore India's commitment to indigenous innovation, global collaboration, and leveraging technology for societal benefit.
Advancements in Telecommunications and 6G Technology
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled the "Digital Communication Theme" for the upcoming Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 and officially inaugurated the Bharat 6G Alliance at IMC 2025. This initiative positions India at the forefront of next-generation telecom innovation, with a strategic goal to secure 10% of global 6G patents and establish itself as a leader in the 6G era. Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, highlighted that India's telecom sector is projected to contribute 20% to the nation's GDP within the next decade.
Further bolstering indigenous capabilities, Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology and indigenously designed semiconductors are identified as India's next strategic leap in the deep-tech space. D2M is recognized as India's first fully "Swadeshi" deep-tech platform, developed with entirely indigenous hardware, software, and chipsets. In related news, Ericsson showcased various 5G and AI innovations at IMC 2025, including a 5G-enabled Grain ATM and remote healthcare solutions, demonstrating technology's role in driving inclusion and industrial progress.
Milestones in Space Exploration and Earth Observation
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues its ambitious trajectory. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India aims to be on par with developed spacefaring nations by 2040, excelling in launcher capabilities, satellite technology, and scientific missions. A significant project, the Mangalyaan 2 mission, is on track for completion between 2028 and 2030, with the objective of achieving a Mars landing. This mission, if successful, would place India among a select few nations to have achieved such a feat.
In a major collaborative effort, the NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite (NISAR) has successfully captured its first high-resolution radar images of Earth. This joint satellite, equipped with both L-band and S-band radars, represents a significant advancement in all-weather, day-night environmental monitoring and disaster response, offering unprecedented precision in observing Earth's surface dynamics. ISRO Chairman also met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss the organization's achievements and the increasing opportunities for private players in the space sector. India's space economy is expected to grow to approximately $44 billion by 2033.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation for Public Good
India's digital public infrastructure continues to leverage AI and other technologies to transform lives. The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development highlighted the impact of innovations like UPI (Unified Payments Interface), ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), AI-powered alert systems that saved over 500,000 lives during the 2024 Kerala floods, and AI-driven fraud detection that blocked millions of scams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed that India has democratized digital technology, making it accessible to every citizen and establishing itself as one of the most technologically inclusive societies globally.
However, alongside these advancements, concerns regarding the ethical implications of AI were also raised, particularly concerning deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and potential job displacement. A call for collective and ethical AI response was made, emphasizing a five-point framework for responsible AI governance. In a move to foster international collaboration on this front, an India-UK Joint Centre for AI has been established to advance responsible and trustworthy AI across various sectors. IndiaAI's "Safe and Trusted AI" pillar is actively selecting and supporting proposals aimed at enhancing AI safety, security, and transparency.
Strengthening Biomedical Research and Conservation Efforts
The Union Cabinet has approved Phase III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), allocating ā¹1500 crore to build a world-class research ecosystem in biomedical sciences. This program aims to train over 2,000 researchers, encourage high-impact publications, and foster patentable discoveries. Furthermore, a significant partnership between the UK's Imperial College London and Science Gallery Bengaluru will boost UK-India innovation links, promoting talent exchange and collaborative research in science and technology.
In a crucial step for environmental protection, India is set to launch a nationwide "Red List" survey to assess the extinction vulnerability of nearly 11,000 species of plants and animals. This first-of-its-kind assessment aims to align with global conservation standards by 2030 and will be entirely funded by public funds.
Rising Global Innovation Profile
Reflecting these widespread efforts, India has climbed to the 38th position in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), cementing its status as a top innovator among lower-middle-income economies and the leader in Central and Southern Asia. This upward trajectory signifies institutional and ecosystem maturity, driven by a booming startup ecosystem, deep digital infrastructure, and significant fintech innovation. Union Minister Piyush Goyal lauded India's unprecedented progress in the technology sector, particularly in financial technology, under recent leadership.