Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) said science succeeds only when it travels from the laboratory to the land and improves people’s lives.
Mr. The audience at the conclave comprised three Nobel Laureates, top technocrats of India’s scientific establishment, startup founders and scientists from both India and abroad. Mr. “AI can perform routine tasks quickly and raise productivity, but should not limit scientists’ thinking or independent thought, and its answers must meet the accuracy standards of scientists. He also pointed to Indian space start-ups, a rocket made in India that placed a satellite in orbit on its first attempt, and the country’s satellite docking capability.
Chandrayaan’s landing near the lunar south pole, Mangalyaan’s success on the first attempt, and the vaccines developed during the COVID-19 pandemic are examples of this. Referring to research funding, he cited a commitment of ₹1 lakh crore, including ₹12,000 crore for taking research from the laboratory to the market, with private investors partnering equally. He also referred to new commitments of ₹24,000 crore. The number of patents filed in India had risen from about 50,000 to 1.5 lakh, Mr.
Modi said India’s science and technology story has long been one of catching up with other countries, but in the 21st century the country has emerged as a leader in scientific and technological developments. He said, “The discovery of zero showed that India has a culture of discovery. Modi said a country’s technological capabilities depend on its research. He said efforts are underway to “speed up” the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Modi said, describing this as evidence of a strengthening culture of innovation rather than merely an increase in number. On Artificial Intelligence (AI), he posed what he called an “important question” about how to exercise scientific judgement in the age of AI. “Science works by questioning paradigms and looking at problems with fresh eyes,” he said. Indian-made AI chips are reaching other countries, an AI model has been built domestically, and work is underway on battery technology based on Indian raw materials, he said. The needs of sectors ranging from nuclear energy to space to AI and semiconductors differ, he said, but India’s emerging technologies are rising together.
