Technology to Define Future of National Security, Says Dr Jitendra Singh

New Delhi, June 25: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Thursday said that rapid technological advancements are transforming the nature of warfare, making innovation a key pillar of national security. He stressed that India’s future defence capabilities will increasingly depend on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology and Space-based systems.

Speaking at the National Defence College (NDC) during a special address on the theme “Future Trajectory of Science & Technology and its Impact on National Security”, the minister said modern conflicts are no longer driven solely by conventional military strength but by technological superiority. He noted that emerging technologies are reshaping defence strategies, surveillance, communications and decision-making across the globe.

Dr. Singh said India must remain at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation to effectively tackle evolving security challenges and safeguard its strategic interests. He highlighted that scientific progress has become central not only to defence preparedness but also to the economic resilience and global competitiveness of nations.

Highlighting India’s progress in defence manufacturing, the minister said the country has made significant strides towards self-reliance over the past decade. Defence production has risen to nearly ₹1.54 lakh crore, while exports have expanded to over ₹23,000 crore. He credited the increasing participation of private industries, startups and more than 16,000 MSMEs for strengthening the country’s defence ecosystem.

Dr. Singh identified AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology and advanced space capabilities as the key technologies that will shape future warfare. He said AI-powered autonomous systems, intelligent surveillance and predictive analytics are expected to transform military operations, while quantum communication and cryptography will play a crucial role in securing critical defence infrastructure.

The minister also underlined the growing importance of biotechnology in addressing future biosecurity challenges and strengthening the country’s preparedness against emerging biological threats.

Calling for stronger collaboration between government agencies, academia, research institutions, startups and industry, Dr. Singh said scientific innovations must quickly move from laboratories to practical applications. He emphasized that integrating civilian technological advancements with military requirements would strengthen India’s security architecture while also boosting economic growth and technological leadership.

The address concluded with an interactive session where senior defence officers and course participants discussed emerging technologies, innovation-driven security strategies and the evolving challenges facing national security in the 21st century.