Indian Economy News

Union Minister of Defence Mr. Rajnath Singh exhorts scientists & engineers to specialise in high-end tech for strengthening India’s position in cutting-edge innovation

On December 19, 2024, Union Minister of Defence Mr. Rajnath Singh addressed the inaugural session of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Annual Convention at IIT Delhi, urging scientists and engineers to master advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing to strengthen India’s position in frontier innovation. Highlighting the significance of these technologies across sectors, he emphasised the need for India to gain proficiency in them for the future welfare of its people. He also discussed India's shift towards self-reliance in defence under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting initiatives such as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF), aimed at tapping youth talent to advance national defence. 

He lauded IITs' contributions to scientific progress and advocated for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and research organisations. He expressed confidence in India’s innovation ecosystem. He recognised the country's growing role as a hub for start-ups and technological advancement, citing the government's support for youth innovation. He also stressed the importance of staying connected to India’s heritage while embracing modern technologies, urging engineers and innovators to build on the past to shape a bright future. The three-day convention, which includes 400 delegates from academia, industry, and defence sectors, serves as a platform for networking and discussing key engineering developments. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.