India has reached a stage where it stands alongside the world’s leading nations in several advanced technologies, said Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences. Speaking at Digit India’s Top Appliance Awards 2026, Singh highlighted how technology and AI have transformed access to opportunities and education.
India Catching Up With Global Leaders
Responding to when India will become a manufacturing hub, Singh said, “It indicates that progress is happening at a very fast pace, both in manufacturing and in technology, and unlike I think a decade and a half back, today we are at the same level as any other country in the world. Today, we are among the first countries, the first few countries, to be in Quantum Technology.”
He has also highlighted achievements in space exploration and pointed to Chandrayaan’s discovery of water molecules on the Moon as an example of the country’s specific capabilities.
Singh said, “Whether it is America landing Neil Armstrong on the moon’s surface in 1969… they did not see any water around. It was our Chandrayaan that went and brought proof of the presence of water from there, H2O molecules. This means we did not have a shortage of human talent or human resources. But perhaps that kind of environment was not there.”
Space Economy Seeing Rapid Growth
Speaking about India’s space sector, Singh stated that opening it to private companies has led to rapid expansion.
“We have also opened up space for the private sector, just five or six years ago. See the result of that—our space economy was almost dismal… Today, in five or six years, it has grown to $9 billion, and it is growing at such a rapid pace that… within 8 to 9 years, it will reach $40 to $45 billion.”
The minister also spoke about the opening of India’s nuclear sector to private companies and said businesses must be prepared to enter emerging industries. “Sometimes it feels… like the government is opening up very quickly, and you are not ready for it.”
He added that India has the talent needed to succeed globally but requires industries to think beyond traditional businesses. “If we have to maintain that position, we will have to open up every sector, and the private sector will also have to prepare itself simultaneously,” commented Singh.
Pointing to India’s growing startup ecosystem, Singh said the country already has examples of rapid success. “Within 5 years, one of our startups is not only sending a rocket up but has also become a unicorn… There was plenty of capability, but the enabling environment was missing, which the government is now ready to provide.”
