India and IBM Partner to Lead in Quantum, AI, and Deep-Tech Innovation

High-level meeting signals India's rise as a global tech powerhouse and outlines collaborative roadmap for transformative technologies.

In a landmark development reflecting India’s fast-growing prominence in emerging technologies, Arvind Krishna, Global Chairman and CEO of IBM Corporation, met with Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi to discuss potential collaborations in cutting-edge areas such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Geospatial AI solutions.

The high-level meeting was held against the backdrop of India’s recently launched National Quantum Mission (NQM), a major strategic initiative that aims to place the nation at the forefront of global quantum research and development. The NQM outlines a vision to develop quantum computers, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials over the next few years, with the government investing significantly to strengthen India’s capabilities in this transformative domain.

Strategic Discussions on Tech Synergies

During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the significant strides India has made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in transforming the country into a global technology hub. They highlighted the pivotal role India is playing in next-generation technologies and emphasized the importance of sustained innovation and international cooperation to maintain this trajectory.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds the portfolios of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, reiterated the Government of India’s unwavering commitment to fostering a pro-technology, innovation-first ecosystem. He underlined the government’s policy shift towards inclusivity, particularly its encouragement of private sector participation in previously restricted areas such as space and nuclear energy.

“In recent years, India has unlocked several sectors for private investment and innovation,” said Dr. Singh. “Whether it’s the space sector, where startups are now launching satellites, or nuclear energy, where the Union Budget has allowed private collaboration—India is setting a precedent for deep-tech leadership.”

Geospatial AI: A Cross-Sector Catalyst

One of the key discussion points was the integration of Geospatial AI to accelerate technological adoption across critical sectors like urban planning, agriculture, disaster management, logistics, and climate monitoring. Geospatial AI blends satellite data, real-time sensors, and AI analytics to enable smarter, data-driven decision-making at scale.

IBM expressed keen interest in collaborating with India’s scientific ecosystem to explore such use cases, especially in line with the country’s digital public infrastructure initiatives.

Strengthening Research with the ANRF

Dr. Singh also highlighted the role of the recently established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which aims to provide long-term strategic funding for advanced research, thereby strengthening the country’s innovation backbone. He noted that India’s youthful talent pool and thriving startup ecosystem provide a strong foundation for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047—India’s roadmap to becoming a fully developed nation by its 100th year of independence.

“We are open and ready for global collaborations,” the Minister emphasized. “India today is not only matching but often surpassing global standards in emerging technologies. The government is committed to building indigenous capabilities while welcoming international partnerships.”

IBM's Commitment to Deep-Tech in India

The IBM delegation included prominent leaders such as Sandip Patel (Country General Manager and MD), Kishore Balaji (Executive Director – Government and Regulatory Affairs), and Amith Singhee (Director, IBM Research India & CTO). Arvind Krishna, an Indian-origin technologist and a staunch advocate of quantum computing, reiterated IBM’s long-term commitment to India, both as a market and as an innovation partner.

“India represents one of the most dynamic technology ecosystems in the world today,” said Krishna. “IBM is enthusiastic about co-creating scalable, impactful solutions in AI and quantum with Indian partners. This collaboration can drive breakthroughs not just for India, but for the world.”

IBM has already invested in several initiatives in India, including quantum research programs and AI innovation labs. The company views India not only as a customer base but also as a strategic contributor to its global R&D agenda.

Government Institutions Poised to Support

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), also participated in the discussions. He assured IBM of the government’s full institutional support and emphasized that DST is actively working to build strong public-private partnerships to accelerate technological innovation.

He stressed the importance of collaborative platforms, access to shared R&D infrastructure, and policy frameworks that make it easier for industry leaders to work with academia and government bodies.

A Defining Moment in India’s Tech Journey

The meeting concluded with mutual agreement on forming working-level groups to explore specific project areas and create implementation roadmaps. This alliance is expected to catalyze innovations that will not only address India’s domestic priorities but also contribute to solving global challenges through scalable tech solutions.

This strategic engagement between IBM and the Indian government marks a pivotal moment in India’s evolution into a global leader in quantum computing, AI, and deep-tech innovation. With clear alignment between public policy and private enterprise, India is poised to shape the next era of technological breakthroughs on the world stage.