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In the vast tapestry of India’s progress, May 11 holds a significant place as National Technology Day. Over the past 25 years, India’s technological evolution has been nothing short of extraordinary. From defense and space exploration to digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the nation has emerged as a key player in the global tech arena. The last decade, in particular, has seen India leapfrog into the future, leveraging innovation to drive economic growth, societal change, and geopolitical influence at global level marked its key role as an emerging global player.
On May 11, 1998, India etched its name in the annals of technological prowess with the successful nuclear tests in Pokhran conducted under the leadership of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The mission demonstrated India’s ability to develop advanced technology despite international sanctions. This milestone laid the foundation for a new era of indigenous innovation, inspiring future breakthroughs in defense, space, and digital infrastructure. Codenamed as Operation Shakti, this landmark event not only demonstrated India’s strategic capabilities but also marked the birth of National Technology Day a day to celebrate the country’s scientific achievements. Since then, every year on May 11, India reflects on its journey from a nation reliant on foreign technology to a global innovator.
National Technology Day, a tribute to the nation’s scientific prowess and technological achievements. The date marks the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear tests in 1998, a defining moment that showcased India’s self-reliance in defense technology. But beyond the echoes of Pokhran, this day symbolizes India’s relentless pursuit of technological excellence and symbolizes India’s relentless pursuit of innovation from space exploration to digital transformation. Over the past decade, India has emerged as a global technology leader, displaying leading breakthroughs in defense, space, digital infrastructure and blending indigenous research with cutting-edge advancements.
The Pokhran tests were a turning point, proving India’s ability to develop cutting-edge defense technologies indigenously. Since then, the country has made giant strides in defense innovation and in all other fields.The Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas), the INS Vikrant -India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, and the Agni-V missile with a range of 5,000 km are testaments to India’s growing self-reliance. Agni and BrahMos missiles establishing India as a missile technology powerhouse. The successful test of the Agni-V ICBM and induction of advanced radar systems underscore India’s capability to safeguard its sovereignty. Astra Mk-1 a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile also added to already existing stock. The Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have played pivotal roles in reducing dependency on foreign arms suppliers.
India’s space program, led by ISRO, has achieved global acclaim. The past ten years have been particularly transformative: Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) 2013 made India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit in its first attempt. In 2017 – PSLV-C37 launched a record 104 satellites in a single mission. In 2019– Chandrayaan-2 showcased India’s lunar ambitions. and Mangalyaan, which positioned India as the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit. The Gaganyaan mission, set to send Indian astronauts to space by 2025, underscores India’s ambition to be a major spacefaring nation. Last but not least in 2023– Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon’s south pole, making India the first country to achieve this feat. ISRO’s cost-effective missions have disrupted global space economics, attracting international collaborations. The rise of private space startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos further underscores India’s expanding role in the NewSpace revolution.
In the last decade, India has shifted from being the world’s largest arms importer to a leading defense exporter, supplying advanced systems to nations like the Philippines, Armenia, and Vietnam. The Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative has further accelerated domestic manufacturing, with private players like Tata, L&T, and Mahindra contributing to defense tech innovation.
The induction of Tejas (indigenous fighter jet), INS Vikrant (India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier), and the recent export of BrahMos missiles to the Philippines highlight India’s growing defense manufacturing ecosystem. The armed forces are now incorporating AI-driven surveillance drones and unmanned combat vehicles, positioning India as a key player in next-gen warfare technology
The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, has transformed the nation’s technological landscape. With the aim of bridging the digital divide, it has empowered millions by providing access to digital services, government schemes, and online education. The growth of the startup ecosystem, propelled by initiatives like Startup India, has made India one of the world’s largest technology hubs.
The last decade has witnessed India’s digital transformation at an unprecedented scale. The Digital India initiative (2015) laid the foundation for a digitally empowered society, with programs like Aadhaar, UPI (Unified Payments Interface), The Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity revolutionized financial inclusion, bringing millions into the formal banking system. UPI, with over 14 billion monthly transactions, has set a global precedent in digital payments. The rollout of 5G and the government’s $10 billion semiconductor mission aim to reduce dependency on imports and position India as a chip manufacturing hub. India’s tech startup ecosystem, now the third-largest in the world, has produced unicorns like Flipkart, Paytm, and Zomato and the CoWIN platform showcasing India’s ability to deploy technology for mass benefit and proving that innovation thrives in the country
India is no longer just an adopter but a creator of next-gen technologies. The National AI Strategy (2021) aims to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence, with applications in healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Initiatives like AI for All and the IndiaAI mission are democratizing access to AI tools. India is now at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and renewable energy. National AI Strategy (2021) aims to make India a global AI hub, Quantum Computing Mission (2023) with a ₹6,000 crore investment. Solar and wind energy expansion, targeting 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030. With initiatives like IndiaAI Mission and the Semiconductor Mission, the country is poised to lead in next-gen tech.
In renewable energy, India is making rapid progress, ranking fourth globally in installed renewable energy capacity. The International Solar Alliance, led by India, reflects its commitment to sustainable tech solutions. Additionally, India’s semiconductor mission and focus on 5G and 6G technologies signal its readiness for the future. As climate change becomes a pressing concern, India is leveraging technology for sustainable growth.
India’s role in the global technology arena has expanded significantly. With advancements in AI, blockchain, and biotechnology, India is not just a consumer but a producer of innovative solutions. Indian IT giants, startups, and research institutions are making significant contributions to global technological ecosystems.India’s technological rise has strengthened its geopolitical standing. The Quad alliance (with the US, Japan, and Australia) includes tech collaboration as a key pillar. India’s IT exports, exceeding $250 billion, make it the backbone of global IT services. The country is also shaping global norms on cyber security, data privacy, and ethical AI. The success of the G20 presidency (2023), where India championed digital public infrastructure (DPI), showcased its ability to lead global tech discourse. Partnerships with nations like the US, France, Russia, Israel and many other countries in defense, space, and AI underline India’s role as a trusted tech partner.
From Pokhran’s defiant roar to Chandrayaan’s silent lunar landing, India’s technology journey has been exemplary. National Technology Day is not just a celebration of past achievements but a reminder of the challenges ahead. As India aims to become a $10 trillion economy by 2035, technology will be its greatest enabler. With a young workforce, thriving startups, and visionary policies, the nation is poised to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The next decade will be about quantum computing, AI-driven governance, and space commerce and India is ready to shine.
On this National Technology Day, let us recommit to innovation, self-reliance, and inclusive growth. The story that began in Pokhran is now a saga of progress, one where India doesn’t just follow global trends but has become a trend setter.
As we commemorate this day, let us remember the words of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts, and thoughts result in action. India’s technological dreams are now becoming reality, lighting the way for a smarter, stronger, and more self-reliant future. Over the last decade, the country has moved from being a technology consumer to a technology creator, with a growing influence in global innovation.
However, challenges remain. Bridging the digital divide, strengthening R&D investments, and fostering deeper academia-industry collaboration will be crucial. As India strides toward its vision of a $10 trillion economy by 2035, technology will be the cornerstone of this transformation. On this National Technology Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to harnessing innovation not just for economic growth, but for building an inclusive, sustainable, and technologically empowered India. The future is not just about catching up with the world but it is about leading it.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. The digital divide remains a critical issue, as millions still lack access to modern technology. Cybersecurity threats also pose risks to the digital infrastructure. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts between the government, the private sector, and academia.
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