New Delhi, Oct 27: India must embrace future technologies, innovate boldly and lead the world in developing them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday and asserted that the country is moving forward with a new mindset and a newfound self-confidence in the field of science and technology.
Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)-2026 here, he also said the country’s goal is to create new technology and shape its direction — for India, for the world, for today, and for tomorrow.
“India must embrace technology of the future, innovate boldly, and lead the world in creating them,” Modi said.
“Today, 21st-century India is moving forward with a new mindset and a newfound self-confidence,” he said.
During his address, the prime minister highlighted that from the discovery of zero to the development of the number system and advancements in astronomy, India’s culture has always been rooted in knowledge and discovery.
The country is currently carrying this scientific heritage forward with modern technology and renewed confidence, he said.
Speaking about nuclear energy, he stated that building a Viksit Bharat requires nuclear energy on a large scale, and that’s why India is developing fast breeder reactor technology.
The prime minister noted that it was a significant milestone when the country’s first indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, attained criticality in August this year.
Modi also said the country’s successes achieved across different sectors are unprecedented. For instance, first shipments of chips made in India have now started reaching the world, he said.
“In the field of battery storage as well, we are working on capacity building using what is available in India,” said the prime minister.
Underlining the milestone achieved in the space sector, Modi said the July mission of Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace, which involved the launch of the country’s first privately developed orbital rocket Vikram-1, and placing of multiple technology demonstration payloads in low Earth orbit.
“From nuclear to space, from AI to semiconductors… The needs of all these sectors are different, but the message from all of them is the same. India is enhancing both its strength and its confidence in emerging technologies,” said Modi.
