Synopsis
India has made significant strides in defence, space, and technology, transforming into a global powerhouse under PM Modi's leadership. Key advancements include hypersonic missiles, satellite technology, and semiconductor initiatives.Key Takeaways
- India's defence sector has advanced significantly.
- Successful trials of hypersonic missiles and UAVs.
- ISRO's achievements in space exploration.
- India's push towards semiconductor manufacturing.
- Investment in quantum technology initiatives.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Over the past decade, India has undergone a remarkable transformation, reshaping its global position from a developing nation with potential to a formidable powerhouse advancing in defence, space, and technology. The government led by Narendra Modi has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to self-reliance, innovation, and technological progress through initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, positioning the nation among the elite in cutting-edge capabilities.
The defence sector has experienced a significant shift, with India entering elite circles through groundbreaking technologies. Milestones achieved under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), coupled with the Modi government’s emphasis on self-reliance, highlight India's preparedness for modern warfare.
In a historic achievement, India has recently conducted successful trials of a laser-based directed energy weapon system designed to neutralise fixed-wing and swarm drones. This advancement places India among an exclusive group of only four nations, alongside the United States, Russia, and China, possessing such sophisticated capabilities.
Moreover, in 2025, India joined the elite ranks of nations testing an Active Cooled Scramjet for hypersonic missiles. This breakthrough was made possible through the indigenous development of endothermic scramjet fuel, a first for India, in collaboration with DRDL and industry.
In another significant development, the DRDO successfully test-fired India’s first long-range hypersonic missile in November 2024, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads. This missile is manoeuvrable and travels at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, placing India among a select few nations with such advanced military technologies.
In 2024, India achieved a milestone with the successful testing of Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology during the Agni-V test, enhancing its capability to deploy multiple nuclear warheads on a single missile against different targets.
Earlier, in 2023, India conducted its maiden flight trial of a sea-based endo-atmospheric interceptor missile aimed at neutralising hostile ballistic missile threats, thereby elevating India into the elite group of nations with naval ballistic missile defence capabilities.
Additionally, in 2023, India successfully flight-tested an indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), showcasing the country’s advancement in autonomous stealth technology.
In 2019, India accomplished the significant feat of testing an anti-satellite missile through Mission Shakti, destroying a live satellite in low Earth orbit. This achievement positioned India alongside the United States, Russia, and China as one of the select nations with demonstrated ASAT capabilities, reinforcing its ability to protect its space assets in an increasingly contested domain.
Similarly, India’s space program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has garnered global attention with its record-breaking missions and innovative technologies. The Modi government’s increased funding and reforms have propelled India into the upper echelons of spacefaring nations.
India recently joined an elite group of four nations demonstrating satellite docking and undocking technology, thanks to ISRO's SpaDEx mission, which succeeded on its first attempt after over 120 simulations, highlighting India's advanced technological capabilities in space exploration.
In 2023, ISRO made history as the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole, achieving a milestone that no other country has reached to date. This accomplishment made India the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, following the United States, Soviet Union, and China.
In 2022, India became the sixth country globally with cryogenic engine manufacturing capabilities, inaugurating its ambitious Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF), which consolidates rocket manufacturing and assembly under one roof for ISRO.
In 2017, India made history by launching over a hundred satellites in a single mission, with ISRO’s PSLV achieving this remarkable feat in its 39th flight (PSLV-C37) and setting a new world record by successfully deploying 104 satellites into designated orbits.
India’s aspirations extend to emerging sectors, positioning it as a competitor among global technology leaders.
With the launch of Semicon India, the nation is vying to become a semiconductor hub, attracting investments from global tech giants and forming partnerships that establish India as a serious contender in chip manufacturing.
Furthermore, with the establishment of the National Mission for Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA) in 2020, India formally entered the race for quantum computing to stay competitive with China and the United States. With an allocation of over Rs 6,000 crore, the Modi government is vigorously supporting next-gen technology to develop future-ready capabilities.
