New Delhi, February 8: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on Sunday that India has joined a select group of nations with a National Quantum Mission. The initiative aims to establish a quantum computer with 1,000 qubits and a quantum communication network spanning 2,000 kilometers, promising significant advancements in defense, cybersecurity, and healthcare services.
A budget of approximately ₹6,000 crores has been allocated for this mission, which will be implemented across 43 institutions in 17 states and 2 union territories. The mission is divided into four main areas: quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing and metrology, and quantum materials and devices.
While addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the ‘Amaravati Quantum Valley’ in Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Singh stated that the goal is to develop a quantum computer with 1,000 physical qubits, establish a secure quantum communication network, enable long-distance quantum communication, and facilitate secure quantum distribution between cities over 2,000 kilometers within the next eight years.
The minister emphasized that quantum technology has become a strategic necessity rather than just an option. He noted that if India aims to secure its communication systems, defense capabilities, healthcare innovations, and global technological identity in the coming years, it must lead in this field.
The foundation-laying event was attended by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, State Minister Nara Lokesh, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, and several senior officials.
Dr. Singh highlighted the rapid development in Andhra Pradesh over the past year as a prime example of effective collaboration between the central and state governments, often referred to as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘double-engine model’ of governance. He cited the National Centre for Ocean Sciences in Visakhapatnam, which began in 2006 but was stalled for nearly 20 years. The current state government completed the project in just a few months.