Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has transformed from being a user of technology to becoming a global leader in technology-driven progress. Speaking at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025, he credited India’s advancements in digital infrastructure, indigenous innovation, and research for this achievement.
“India is no longer a consumer of technology, but a pioneer in technology-driven transformation,” PM Modi said. He highlighted how the nation’s strong digital foundation enabled rapid innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During COVID-19, we developed an indigenous vaccine in record time and launched the world’s largest vaccination programme. It became possible because today we have the world’s first and most successful digital public infrastructure,” he added.
PM Modi emphasised that India’s innovation policies over the past decade have delivered visible results. “Our R&D expenditure has doubled, and the number of patents registered in India has increased 17 times. India now has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in the world. Over 6,000 deeptech start-ups are working in areas such as clean energy and advanced materials. India’s semiconductor sector has also taken off,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of global cooperation in the evolving scientific landscape. “In the 21st century, there is a great need for experts from around the world to come together to brainstorm on emerging science, technology, and innovation. This gave birth to the vision of this conclave,” he said, welcoming Nobel Laureates and global participants attending ESTIC 2025.
The Prime Minister praised Indian scientists for the successful launch of GSAT-7R (CMS-03), India’s heaviest communication satellite developed for the Indian Navy. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the scientists involved in this mission, including ISRO,” he said.
A major highlight of his address was the new Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore. The scheme aims to close funding gaps in private-sector R&D, particularly in critical areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, space technology, and clean energy.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the initiative will offer long-term, low or zero-interest loans to promote innovation. It will be implemented through a two-tier structure under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
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