India is charting an ambitious course in science and technology, marked by significant advancements and strategic initiatives across multiple sectors over the past 24 hours. From space exploration to artificial intelligence and biotechnology, the nation is demonstrating a strong push towards innovation and self-reliance.
Space Exploration: India's Leap Towards a Space Station and Lunar Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront of these developments, with its Chairman, V Narayanan, announcing India's goal to establish its own space station by 2035. The initial modules for this space station are projected to be installed as early as 2027. This ambitious project is part of a broader vision that includes India's maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2027. Furthermore, ISRO aims to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040, reinforcing the nation's growing capabilities in space. These plans were reiterated during the 14th convocation ceremony of IIT-BHU in Varanasi.
Artificial Intelligence: Bridging the Talent Gap and Fostering Innovation
In the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), a recent NITI Aayog report has issued a warning that India risks falling behind in the global race for AI talent. The report highlights a critical shortage, with India producing fewer than 500 AI-related PhDs annually, significantly trailing global leaders like China and the US. To address this, NITI Aayog recommends establishing specialized AI departments, expanding "AI+X" programs, and integrating AI education into school and undergraduate curricula. Despite these challenges, India is actively fostering an AI ecosystem, as evidenced by the inaugural Supercomputing India 2025 event in Hyderabad, which focuses on High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI, and Quantum technologies. Additionally, the Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025, a pre-summit to the Global AI Summit 2026, commenced with a focus on responsible and inclusive AI growth. The Union Cabinet has also allocated over ā¹10,300 crore for the IndiaAI Mission, deploying 38,000 GPUs to make AI open, affordable, and accessible.
Biotechnology: A Rapidly Expanding Sector
India's biotechnology sector is experiencing extraordinary growth, with the number of startups soaring from approximately 500 in 2018 to over 10,000 in 2025. This expansion is supported by 94 incubators across 25 states and government-backed initiatives like the BioE3 Policy, aiming to create a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. Established companies continue to showcase India's expertise in affordable vaccines and generics, while new pioneers drive breakthroughs in precision medicine and diagnostics. The Union Cabinet has also approved Phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), a flagship Indo-UK initiative designed to strengthen India's biomedical research ecosystem with a total funding of ā¹1,500 crore. Furthermore, breakthroughs in agricultural biotechnology are set to revolutionize farming, addressing climate change, pest resistance, and increasing crop yields.
Semiconductors and International Collaborations
To boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence, the Union Cabinet has approved a substantial ā¹12,000 crore incentive plan for semiconductor design and fabrication startups. In terms of international collaboration, Fujitsu and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have launched joint research into advanced AI technologies to accelerate reaction-diffusion simulations, crucial for new material development and smart grid applications. Moreover, India and the UK have announced the India-UK Connectivity and Innovation Centre, a strategic partnership with an initial combined investment of Ā£24 million, focusing on 6G, AI in telecommunications, and cybersecurity.
Defence Technology
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested a new long-range surface-to-air missile off the Odisha coast. This missile is designed to enhance India's air defence capabilities against high-speed aerial threats.