India at the Center of Global Scientific Discourse
Marking 11 years of science-led transformation, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted how technology has evolved into the driving force of India’s growth story. Speaking at a joint press conference with science ministry heads, he emphasized India’s shift from observer to innovator in the global scientific ecosystem.
“In the last decade, India hasn’t just participated—it has shaped the global discourse on science and innovation,” said Dr. Singh, as he applauded Prime Minister Modi’s vision and reforms.
Empowering Scientists, Driving Innovation
India’s scientists today enjoy unprecedented institutional support, freedom, and recognition. Dr. Singh credited this environment for multiple breakthroughs in biotech, agri-tech, space, disaster management, and digital governance.
He noted, “When leadership trusts science, miracles happen. India has shown that even with limited resources, frugal innovation can change lives.”
Biotech Leading the Charge
Dr. Singh spotlighted India’s rise as a global biotech destination, thanks to the BioE3 policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment.
Key achievements include:
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India’s first DNA-based COVID vaccine
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Haemophilia therapy clinical success
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Kisan BiokkAvch, a protective suit for farmers against insecticides
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Biotech kits to be used in space by astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom 4 Mission
These examples reflect India’s growing capability in advanced biomedical research and space biology.
From Space to the Sea: India’s Expanding Frontiers
India’s deep-sea mission, Samudrayaan, is also gaining momentum. The submersible Matsya 6000 is undergoing safety checks and is set for sea trials in 2026.
The unlocking of the space sector, use of drone and satellite mapping, and geo-spatial technologies for Swamitva and Soil Health Card missions are revolutionizing rural governance and agriculture.
Dr. Singh stated, “Our farmer is no longer dependent on revenue officials. With tech, he is now the master of his own destiny.”
Agri-Based Startups & the Purple Revolution
India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has fueled rural entrepreneurship with initiatives like the Purple Revolution in the Himalayan region, promoting lavender cultivation. This has brought economic independence to thousands.
Dr. Kalaiselvi, CSIR DG, shared how 37 CSIR labs are now creating industry-grade innovations, especially in aroma, chemicals, and clean energy.
Tech Diplomacy and Climate Resilience
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is pushing India’s Neighbourhood First policy by sharing climate and disaster forecasts with neighboring nations using satellite data. Forecast accuracy, especially in Delhi-NCR, has vastly improved.
Achievements by Numbers
According to Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of DBT:
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Over 1,750 biotech patents filed
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More than 3 lakh COVID genomes sequenced
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Indian biotech economy has grown to $165.7 billion
India’s Science, the World’s Inspiration
“India is not borrowing best practices. It is offering scalable, frugal, and people-first solutions for the world,” said Dr. Singh.
Principal Scientific Advisor Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood added that science has come to the center stage in India’s development journey.
Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST, emphasized how collaborations between research institutes and startups are now turning ideas into scalable solutions that fuel India’s economy.
Conclusion: A Decade of Scientific Pride
As India moves toward its centenary in 2047, the last 11 years have laid a strong scientific foundation. From vaccine leadership to space biology, from soil mapping to deep-sea exploration, science is scripting India’s development story.
