As Prime Minister Narendra Modi enters into his 75th year on Wednesday, one recalls his respect for India’s cultural heritage as also his drive for innovation for the country’s future. It is his vision for India’s future, which is integral to his dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ in 2047.
PM Modi has long championed innovation as the cornerstone of India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. India under his leadership is undergoing a transformative shift, evolving from a technology consumer to a global leader in high-tech innovation. This commitment has culminated in the July 2025 approval of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, a transformative initiative poised to redefine India’s high-tech landscape.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
- Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme: The article emphasizes the RDI scheme, approved in July 2025, which features a massive Rs 1 lakh crore fund dedicated to private-sector-led high-tech research. It prioritizes projects with real-world applications in areas like advanced manufacturing, defense technology, and green energy. This scheme includes a dedicated Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to focus on cutting-edge technologies like semiconductors, advanced robotics, and green hydrogen.
- Vigyan Dhara: This initiative unifies three major science and technology schemes under a single umbrella with a total outlay of Rs 10,579.84 crore. Its aim is to strengthen research infrastructure and scientific talent by supporting basic research, technology development, and innovation at all levels.
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Launched in July 2024, the ANRF is designed to fund, coordinate, and elevate research across universities and colleges, particularly in historically underserved institutions. With a funding target of Rs 50,000 crore between 2023 and 2028, the ANRF aligns India with global research leaders and aims to foster a knowledge-driven economy.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technology: The government is directly fostering an AI ecosystem by providing affordable access to computing power. India’s national compute capacity has reached over 34,000 GPUs at subsidized rates of Rs 67 per hour. Similarly, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers within eight years, positioning India for future technological disruptions.
- Defense Sector Transformation: The article highlights the “Make in India” mission in defense, with the budget surging from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in FY 2025-26. This focus is on creating indigenous capabilities, including the deployment of S-400 squadrons, Barak-8 missiles, and the development of platforms like the LCA Tejas and LCH Prachand. The drone sector has also been opened to startups, making India a hub for drone innovation in defense and agriculture.
Outcomes and Impact
These initiatives have led to notable results:
- A substantial increase in gross expenditure on research and development from Rs 60,000 crore to Rs 1.25 lakh crore.
- A rise in patent filings from 40,000 in 2014 to over 80,000.
- An increase in the number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings, from 11 in 2014 to 54 in 2026.
- The development of indigenous products like an MRI machine, as well as advancements in nanotechnology and “brain on a chip” technology.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission and National Supercomputing Mission further support this push, aiming to make India a global hub for green hydrogen and a leader in high-end computational capability
