India now sets benchmarks in Space, Defence & Innovation: Dr Singh

Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh has said that India has successfully bridged tradition with modernity by preserving core civilisational values while simultaneously embracing cutting-edge technologies, with the ultimate aim to ensure ease of living for common citizen. The Minister said that India’s transformation into a global science and technology leader over the last decade under PM Narendra Modi has been enabled by decisive policy support from the top political hierarchy.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 in Tirupati on Friday, Dr Singh said that India’s achievements in space and strategic technologies have drawn global attention. He cited the country’s lunar missions, which provided the first confirmed evidence of water on the Moon and achieved the world’s first landing near the lunar south pole. He also highlighted the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, noting that defence exports have reached Rs23,662 crore, with Indian-made systems being supplied to nearly 100 countries.

On healthcare, Dr Jitendra Singh said India has emerged as a global leader in preventive healthcare and affordable medical solutions. From developing and sharing COVID-19 vaccines with the world to exporting medical devices and implants worth billions of dollars annually, India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem has gained international trust and recognition. The Minister also highlighted India’s growing impact in scientific research and publications, stating that the country now ranks fourth globally in scientific paper output and third in citation impact, reflecting both quantitative and qualitative progress in research. Dr Singh announced that large-scale translation of science textbooks and curricula into regional languages has been undertaken over the last decade to democratise scientific knowledge and education, ensuring that every citizen can participate in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.