India Emerges as Global Tech Powerhouse, Dr. Jitendra Singh Says at ET Telecom 5G Congress

Dr. Singh emphasized India’s pioneering role in building robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which is now being recognized and emulated globally.

At the prestigious ET Telecom 5G Congress, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, as well as Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, delivered a comprehensive address on India’s monumental progress in digital governance, technology innovation, and scientific research. His speech outlined how India has transitioned from a technology adopter to a global leader in the digital and innovation space.

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure: A Model for the World

Dr. Singh emphasized India’s pioneering role in building robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which is now being recognized and emulated globally. He credited the Digital India initiative, launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in 2015, for laying the foundation for this transformation. Highlighting the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system as a landmark reform, he noted that it revolutionized welfare distribution by ensuring transparency, minimizing leakages, and empowering beneficiaries directly.

"The real test of our digital infrastructure came during the COVID-19 pandemic," Dr. Singh said, "when DBT enabled uninterrupted financial support to millions of citizens, especially in rural and underserved areas. This showcased India's ability to harness technology for inclusive governance even in the face of global crises."

Swamitva Scheme: Empowering Rural India Through Digital Mapping

In another significant development, Dr Singh praised the Swamitva Yojana, a central government initiative that uses drone technology for mapping land parcels in rural areas. The project provides legal ownership of residential properties through property cards, significantly reducing dependence on traditional land revenue systems and disputes over land titles.

"With nearly 70% of India’s villages already digitally mapped, this initiative is a shining example of citizen-centric governance. It’s helping rural residents secure loans, resolve ownership conflicts, and participate more actively in the economic mainstream," he stated.

Innovation on the Rise: From Patent Filings to Global Recognition

India’s upward trajectory in the Global Innovation Index, moving from 81st place in 2015 to 39th currently, was highlighted as a key indicator of the country's growing innovation capacity. Dr. Singh proudly noted that India now ranks sixth globally in patent filings, with a significant shift in domestic innovation—56% of patents are filed by resident Indians.

"This is a stark contrast to previous decades, where Indian talent had to migrate abroad for recognition. Today, we are fostering an innovation ecosystem that enables our youth to excel on their home turf," he remarked.

Breakthroughs in Space, Biotechnology, and Nuclear Sectors

India’s achievements in space exploration were another focal point. Dr. Singh highlighted the recent launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission, which was led by a woman scientist—a significant milestone in gender inclusivity in science and technology.

He also detailed the government’s efforts to nurture space startups, including the allocation of Rs 10,000 crore under Modi 3.0 to support private ventures in the sector. The creation of a viability gap fund aims to support early-stage innovations in space tech, while the National Research Foundation (NRF) has been established to ensure strategic investment in cutting-edge research.

On the biotechnology front, the new BioE3 policy has been rolled out, focusing on Environmental sustainability, Employment generation, and Economic development—a holistic approach that aligns innovation with the country’s developmental goals.

Additionally, India has recently taken bold steps by opening the nuclear sector to private participation, signaling a shift towards inclusive, industry-led development in high-tech domains that were previously government-controlled.

Women Leading India’s Scientific Future

A standout highlight of Dr. Singh’s address was his focus on women’s increasing participation in STEM. He lauded the growing number of women leading scientific missions and research projects, signaling a paradigm shift in gender representation.

"The leadership role played by women scientists in landmark projects like Aditya-L1 reflects a transformative change in how we view and empower talent in the scientific community," he noted.

India’s StartUp and Tech Talent: Globally Acclaimed

Wrapping up his keynote, Dr. Singh hailed India’s thriving StartUp ecosystem, which now ranks among the top three in the world. He attributed this success to policy reforms, improved ease of doing business, and a young, dynamic workforce.

"Indian professionals are now the first choice in global innovation hubs—from Silicon Valley to Singapore—due to their skill, resilience, and work ethic. The world no longer sees India as a back-office destination but as a hub of original innovation and digital leadership," he asserted.

Looking Ahead: Tech for Inclusive Growth

Dr. Jitendra Singh’s address at the ET Telecom 5G Congress painted a powerful picture of India’s journey from a developing digital economy to a global technology powerhouse. His message was clear—India is not just adapting to change; it is leading it. With continued investments in science, innovation, and inclusive digital infrastructure, India is poised to shape the global tech narrative for years to come.