New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Friday said artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear, space and quantum technologies will determine the contours of future growth and global competitiveness, asserting that India is emerging as a major force in frontier technologies.

Speaking during a fireside conversation at a media conclave here, Singh said the National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in 2023, has achieved more than half of its targeted outcomes within three years.

He said India is progressing alongside leading nations in several critical technology domains and steadily building capabilities that will define the next phase of economic growth, national security and global competitiveness.

The minister said space, nuclear and quantum technologies would play a decisive role in shaping the future world order by influencing economic advancement, strategic strength and geopolitical positioning.

"Countries that fall behind in these technologies risk falling behind in both development and security," he said.

Referring to the National Quantum Mission, Singh said several key milestones had been achieved ahead of schedule, particularly in quantum-secure communication, which has applications in defence, strategic communications, cyber security and protection of sensitive information.

He said the pace of progress under the mission reflected India's growing scientific capabilities and its commitment to becoming a global leader in emerging technologies.

According to the minister, India is making rapid advances across the quantum ecosystem, including quantum communication, quantum computing and related research.

On artificial intelligence, Singh said AI is becoming an essential tool across sectors and will increasingly influence governance, industry, education, healthcare, research and public service delivery.

He said India is simultaneously strengthening the supporting ecosystem through investments in digital infrastructure, computing capacity, data resources and reliable energy systems.

The minister said technological progress has become the principal driver of growth in the modern world and no nation can sustain long-term development without embracing innovation and frontier technologies.

He said India was pursuing this transformation while remaining committed to inclusive growth, democratic values and social welfare.

Singh said policy reforms undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expanded opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific advancement.

He said the opening up of the space sector had created a vibrant startup ecosystem, while recent policy initiatives in the nuclear sector were expected to accelerate investments, technological collaboration and capacity creation.

Highlighting the growing demand for advanced computing, data centres and digital services, Singh said nuclear energy would play an increasingly important role in supporting India's technology-driven growth while contributing to the country's clean energy transition.

On education reforms, Singh described the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformational initiative that has changed the way students approach learning, higher education and research.

He said the policy had replaced rigid academic pathways with greater flexibility and multidisciplinary opportunities, enabling students to pursue careers aligned with their interests and aptitude.

The minister said the NEP was creating conditions for a stronger research ecosystem by encouraging students to pursue research and innovation based on interest and capability, helping nurture a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.

He also said India was witnessing a shift from a government-centric innovation model to a collaborative ecosystem involving academia, industry, startups and private enterprises.

Calling upon young people to participate in India's scientific and technological transformation, Singh said reforms in education, research, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies would strengthen the country's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 and position it among the world's leading innovation-driven economies.