In April 2023, India embarked on a transformative journey by launching the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a strategic initiative designed to position the nation at the forefront of quantum technology. With a substantial investment of Rs 6,003.65 crore over an eight-year period, the NQM aims to foster scientific and industrial research in quantum technologies, thereby propelling India into the league of global leaders in this cutting-edge field. The mission is expected to bolster India’s capabilities in quantum computing, communication, materials, and metrology, ensuring its stake in the global quantum race.
Genesis
The seeds of NQM were sown in 2020 when the Indian government announced the National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA), allocating Rs 8,000 crore over five years to develop quantum computing, communication, and other related applications. However, the mission faced delays, leading to its reconfiguration and the subsequent launch of NQM in 2023. This evolution underscores India’s recognition of the critical role quantum technologies play in national security, economic growth, and technological innovation.
Globally, the competition in quantum technology is intensifying. The United States, China, and the European Union have been leading in quantum research and applications, with investments surpassing billions of dollars. The U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) allocated $3.8 billion for quantum research, while China has invested over $15.3 billion in the domain, launching groundbreaking projects like the QUESS satellite for quantum communication.
Deliverables of NQM
India’s National Quantum Mission has set forth a series of ambitious objectives:
1. Quantum Computing Development
The mission aspires to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers with capacities ranging from 50 to 1,000 physical qubits over an eight-year period. These computers will be built using various platforms, including superconducting and photonic technologies, enabling complex computations that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers.
Quantum computing’s significance extends far beyond academia and industry—it holds profound implications for national security. The potential to break modern cryptographic encryption using quantum computing presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While nations seek to harness quantum computing for economic and scientific progress, they must simultaneously prepare for post-quantum cryptography to safeguard data security.
2. Secure Quantum Communication
A key goal of NQM is to establish satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a 2,000 km range within India. Additionally, the mission aims to facilitate long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries and develop inter-city quantum key distribution over 2,000 km using existing optical fiber infrastructure. This initiative is poised to revolutionize data security and protect information against potential cyber threats.
China has already demonstrated its prowess in quantum communication by launching the QUESS satellite and developing a 2,000-km quantum-encrypted network between Beijing and Shanghai. India, by investing in similar capabilities, aims to secure its telecommunications infrastructure and prevent cyber espionage.
3. Quantum Materials and Devices
The mission supports the design and synthesis of quantum materials, such as superconductors and novel semiconductor structures, which are essential for developing advanced quantum devices and applications. This focus on material science is crucial for the practical realization of quantum technologies.
Quantum materials have significant defense applications. Quantum-enhanced sensors can detect submarines, track stealth aircraft, and improve space navigation, making them invaluable for military applications.
4. Quantum Sensing and Metrology
Developing high-sensitivity magnetometers in atomic systems and atomic clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation is also a priority. These advancements are expected to enhance the accuracy of measurements and support various applications in defense, healthcare, and navigation.
Advancements in gravimeters, magnetometers, and LiDAR could revolutionize defense surveillance, resource exploration, and geolocation accuracy. Nations investing in quantum sensing will gain a significant strategic advantage in both civilian and military domains.
Thematic Hubs
To achieve these objectives, the NQM has established four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs), each focusing on a specific quantum technology domain:
Quantum Computing: Located at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, this hub focuses on developing quantum computing technologies and applications.
Quantum Communication: Based at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) in New Delhi, this hub aims to advance secure quantum communication technologies.
Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Situated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), this hub is dedicated to developing quantum sensing and metrology devices.
Quantum Materials & Devices: Located at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D), this hub focuses on the research and development of quantum materials and devices.
These hubs collectively involve 152 researchers from 43 institutions across India, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for quantum research and innovation.
Significant Developments
Since its inception, the NQM has achieved several notable milestones:
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Demonstrations: In March 2021, ISRO successfully demonstrated free-space quantum communication over a distance of 300 meters, including live video conferencing using quantum-key-encrypted signals.
Development of Quantum Processors: In August 2024, scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) completed end-to-end testing of a 6-qubit quantum processor based on superconducting circuit technology.
International Collaborations: India has partnered with the United States through the Indo-U.S. Quantum Coordination Mechanism under the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) to facilitate joint research and development in quantum technologies.
India in the Global Quantum Race
India’s efforts are part of a broader global movement recognizing the transformative potential of quantum technologies.
United States: The National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) provides a coordinated federal program to accelerate quantum research and development, with investments exceeding $3.8 billion.
China: With over $15.3 billion allocated to quantum research, China has already made significant strides in quantum communication, including launching the QUESS satellite and developing quantum-encrypted networks.
European Union: The EU has invested over $1 billion in quantum computing and communication initiatives to maintain its competitive edge.
The Road Ahead
India’s National Quantum Mission is a significant step toward establishing the country as a global quantum powerhouse. However, as Eliot Jung’s research underscores, the race for quantum supremacy is not just about technological advancements but also about national security implications. Quantum computing, sensing, and communication hold immense potential for economic growth, defense capabilities, and cybersecurity.
The future of quantum technology is unfolding rapidly, and India’s strategic investments today will define its place in the quantum-powered world of tomorrow.
As nations advance in quantum technologies, the security of space systems has become a critical concern. Space assets, including satellites, are integral to civilian and military operations, providing services such as communication, navigation, and surveillance.
