India needs to emerge as a global leader in critical and emerging technologies to secure its technological sovereignty and shape its rise on the global stage, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said on Sunday, 26 April.
Addressing the PAN-IIT Alumni Conference in Los Angeles virtually, the minister emphasised that technological capability will define national strength in the coming decades.
He stated that India must move beyond being a consumer of technology and position itself as a creator, designer, and global driver of innovation.
Singh highlighted that India stands at a defining moment in its development journey, with science, technology, and innovation forming the foundation of future growth under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
He pointed to advancements in the space programme, biotechnology sector, and the rapid rise of deep-tech startups as indicators of the country’s growing capabilities.
The minister underlined the importance of the Indian diaspora, particularly IIT alumni, describing them as vital connectors between India and global innovation ecosystems.
He noted their contributions through investments, mentorship, institutional collaborations, and policy engagement, which continue to strengthen India’s development trajectory.
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He also acknowledged the role of the Indian Institutes of Technology in building India’s technology leadership, stating that alumni are leading global corporations, advancing cutting-edge research, and influencing public policy worldwide.
Identifying future growth areas, Singh highlighted semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technologies as critical domains for national security, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government, alongside new models of education and institution-building.
Referring to initiatives such as the Sajjan Agarwal School of Technology at Rishihood University, he said such efforts reflect how the global Indian community is contributing to strengthening India’s technological base through education aligned with real-world applications and entrepreneurship.
Calling for deeper engagement, the minister invited IIT alumni to actively participate in mentoring, investing in research, and collaborating with Indian institutions.
He expressed confidence that sustained effort and long-term vision would enable India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 while contributing meaningfully to global progress.
