India has become a prominent figure in global science and technology advancements in the past decade, setting high standards in space exploration, defense, healthcare, and innovation, according to Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. Speaking at the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025, Singh credited this transformation to strong policy backing from the top leadership. The focus on science, technology, and innovation, along with increased budgetary support since 2014, has removed previous obstacles that hindered India’s scientific progress.
Singh highlighted the abundant talent pool in the country, emphasizing that the lack of enabling ecosystems and political determination has now been effectively addressed. He pointed out the remarkable growth in India’s startup ecosystem, with the number of startups increasing from 300-400 in 2014 to nearly 200,000, and a significant rise in the Global Innovation Index ranking from 81 to 38. India’s prowess in space technology was evident in its lunar missions, which discovered water on the Moon and achieved a historic landing near the lunar south pole.
The Minister also noted the substantial progress in India’s indigenous defense manufacturing sector, with defense exports reaching Rs 23,662 crore and Indian-made systems being exported to nearly 100 countries. The credibility and reliability of India’s indigenous missile and defense technologies have led to a surge in international demand. Singh attributed these achievements to consistent investments in atomic energy, space exploration, and advanced research over the past decade.
Singh further emphasized India’s leadership in preventive healthcare and affordable medical solutions on a global scale. From developing and sharing Covid-19 vaccines worldwide to exporting medical devices worth billions of dollars annually, India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem has gained international recognition. He highlighted India’s increasing impact in scientific research and publications, stating that science is no longer confined to laboratories but is actively improving living standards through initiatives like smart cities, telemedicine, and digital governance platforms.
Major national initiatives in space exploration, nuclear energy, deep-sea exploration, Himalayan research, and the Aroma Mission are creating new opportunities for economic growth and youth entrepreneurship, Singh added.
