Modi Calls for India to Lead in Emerging Technologies, Stresses Research and Innovation
Inaugurating the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 at Bharat Mandapam here, Modi said scientific research, discoveries and innovation would provide a strong foundation for building a Viksit Bharat.
He urged researchers, industry leaders, startup founders and students to set three-year targets for developing technologies, prototypes, pilot projects and products.
Highlighting India’s progress in nuclear energy, space, artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, the Prime Minister cited the achievement of first criticality by the indigenous 500-MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor as an important step towards strengthening long-term energy security.
He also referred to Indian startups launching satellites using domestically developed rockets, progress in satellite docking technology, the development of an Indian AI model and the shipment of India-made semiconductor chips to global markets.
Modi said science and technology should improve the lives of ordinary people by addressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, employment and disaster management.
He cited India’s digital public infrastructure and indigenous 5G technology as examples of secure solutions that could serve people on a large scale.
Emphasising the importance of research and development, he said government commitments of Rs 12,000 crore for market-ready laboratory technologies over the past year had been matched by an equal contribution from private investors, taking the combined commitment to Rs 24,000 crore.
Annual patent filings had increased from fewer than 50,000 a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh last year, reflecting the growing culture of research and innovation in the country, he said.
On the use of AI in scientific research, Modi said the technology could provide quick answers and improve productivity, but scientists must independently verify their accuracy.
AI should strengthen rather than restrict independent thinking, enabling researchers to devote more time to complex problems, experiments and validation of ideas, he said.
He called for focused efforts in semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials, robotics, space, clean energy and next-generation communications.
He also stressed the need to develop security solutions to address emerging cyber threats involving AI, synthetic biology and autonomous systems.
Referring to the Brain Centre at IIT Madras, Modi highlighted the development of high-resolution three-dimensional digital brain imaging technology to help researchers understand neurological diseases.
The Prime Minister urged the conclave to move beyond discussions and deliver measurable outcomes, calling for a new generation of scientists and innovators capable of leading global advances in emerging science and technology.
