How is India Setting Global Standards in Space, Defence, Health, and Innovation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India is a leader in science and technology, setting benchmarks globally.
- Significant growth in startups from 300-400 to nearly 200,000.
- Achievements in lunar exploration, confirming water on the Moon.
- Defence exports reaching Rs 23,662 crore, supplied to 100 countries.
- Healthcare innovations gaining international trust and recognition.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) India has evolved into a global leader in science and technology over the past decade, establishing new global standards in space, defence, healthcare, and innovation, according to Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, on Friday.
During his address at the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 at the National Sanskrit University, Singh credited this achievement to decisive policy support from the highest levels of political leadership.
“In the last ten years, there has been an unprecedented focus on science, technology, and innovation, alongside increased budgetary allocations since 2014, which helped remove long-standing obstacles that previously hampered India's scientific capabilities,” the Minister explained.
He emphasized that while the nation’s talent pool has always been robust, the necessary enabling ecosystems and political determination were previously lacking, but these issues have now been effectively resolved.
Singh also pointed out the surge in innovation within India's startup sector, which has grown from approximately 300-400 firms in 2014 to nearly 200,000 today, alongside an impressive rise in its Global Innovation Index ranking from 81 to 38.
India’s prowess in space exploration and strategic technologies has been demonstrated through its lunar missions, which provided the first confirmed evidence of water on the Moon and accomplished the world’s first landing near the lunar south pole.
The expanding capabilities of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing sector are highlighted by defence exports amounting to Rs 23,662 crore, with Indian-made systems being dispatched to nearly 100 countries, Singh noted.
“India’s homegrown missile and defence technologies have proven their reliability, leading to increasing international demand,” Singh stated.
He stressed that these advancements are the result of ongoing investments in atomic energy, space, and advanced research over the past ten years.
Regarding healthcare, Singh asserted that India has emerged as a global leader in preventive healthcare and affordable medical solutions.
“From developing and distributing Covid-19 vaccines worldwide to exporting medical devices and implants valued at billions annually, India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem has gained international recognition and trust,” he remarked, while also noting India’s expanding impact on scientific research and publications.
Singh highlighted that science in India is no longer confined to laboratories; it is actively enhancing the quality of life through initiatives like smart cities, telemedicine, satellite-based communication, geotagging, and digital governance platforms.
Significant national missions in areas such as space, nuclear energy, deep ocean exploration, Himalayan research, and the Aroma Mission are paving the way for new opportunities in economic growth and youth entrepreneurship, he added.