India’s Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology Initiatives

India’s engagement with quantum science has roots in the early 20th century. A seminal contribution came from Satyendra Nath Bose, whose 1924 paper on quantum statistics laid the foundation for Bose-Einstein statistics – a cornerstone of quantum mechanics. In the decades that followed, Indian physicists made theoretical strides, but dedicated quantum technology R&D infrastructure began taking shape only in recent times. A modern milestone was the work of Indian-American scientist Lov Grover, who in 1996 devised Grover’s algorithm – the second major quantum computing algorithm, highlighting India’s intellectual link to this emerging field. By the 2000s, research groups in institutes like TIFR and IISc were exploring quantum computation (e.g. using NMR techniques), and by the 2010s India started formal programs to nurture quantum technologies. In 2018, the government launched the Quantum-Enabled Science and Technology (QuEST) program, the country’s first coordinated quantum research initiative, funding 51 projects across themes like photonic quantum computing, ion-trap devices, and superconducting qubits. These efforts, though modest in scale, seeded a domestic quantum research ecosystem and trained a generation of researchers, setting the stage for larger national missions.

Quantum Computing Advancements in India

India’s quantum computing landscape has significantly accelerated in recent years through national missions, academic research, and industry partnerships. A pivotal step was the announcement of a National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA) in 2020 with a proposed outlay of ₹8,000 crore (~$1 billion). This was followed by the establishment of a dedicated quantum hub: the I-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation (QTF) at IISER Pune in 2020, under the National Cyber-Physical Systems program. With a budget of ₹170 crore, I-Hub QTF’s flagship projects include developing an ion-trap based quantum computer and a quantum gravimeter (precision gravity sensor). In April 2023, the Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a refined 8-year program with ₹6,003 crore funding to accelerate R&D and make India a leading nation in quantum technology. NQM’s goals are ambitious: build intermediate-scale quantum computers of 50–1000 qubits across multiple platforms (superconducting, photonic, etc.), demonstrate satellite-based secure quantum communications over 2000 km, establish inter-city quantum key distribution networks, and develop quantum sensors (like atomic clocks and magnetometers) for precision timing and navigation. Four Thematic Hubs in top institutions will drive work in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing/metrology, and quantum materials/devices. This multi-pronged mission reflects a significant ramp-up in India’s commitment to quantum R&D.

Alongside government efforts, India’s premier scientific institutes are at the forefront of quantum computing research. The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai, for example, hosts a leading quantum computing lab focusing on superconducting qubit devices. In a major milestone, a collaboration of scientists from DRDO’s Young Scientists Laboratory – Quantum Tech (DYSL-QT), TIFR, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) successfully built and tested an indigenous 6-qubit superconducting quantum processor in 2024. This prototype, with qubits designed and fabricated at TIFR (using a novel ring-resonator architecture) and control systems integrated by DYSL-QT, marks India’s first home-grown quantum computing hardware capable of running quantum circuits via a cloud interface. Academic groups across the country are pursuing diverse hardware approaches: IIT Madras and IISc Bangalore have teams working on superconducting circuit qubits and quantum materials, while others like Raman Research Institute (RRI) and IISERs explore photonic and atomic qubit platforms.

On the software and algorithm front, India’s talent in computer science is being leveraged to develop quantum algorithms and applications. In 2021, IBM partnered with 11 top Indian institutions – including IISc, TIFR, IITs (Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Jodhpur), IISER Pune, IISER Thiruvananthapuram, IIIT-Delhi, ISI Kolkata, and University of Calcutta – to provide cloud access to IBM’s quantum computers. Through this IBM Quantum Network engagement, hundreds of Indian students and researchers are now working on real quantum processors using the open-source Qiskit framework. For instance, IIT Madras established the Centre for Quantum Information, Communication and Computing (CQuICC) and became the first Indian institute to join IBM’s Quantum Network in 2022, enabling research in quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, and error correction using IBM’s 433-qubit and 127-qubit systems. Similarly, IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, and others have introduced quantum computing courses and labs, ensuring a pipeline of skilled graduates. These academia-industry collaborations are critical for India to develop a quantum-ready workforce, a goal emphasized by the NQM to nurture experts in both hardware and software.

The private sector in India is also increasingly contributing to quantum computing innovation. Major IT companies are aligning with the NQM: the government has roped in TCS, HCL, Tech Mahindra, and others to develop quantum software and algorithms, recognizing that a huge effort in quantum-classical software integration and use-case development is needed. Startups have emerged as well – QNu Labs, Bengaluru, founded in 2016, initially focused on quantum cryptography (QKD) and is now expanding to satellite QKD solutions, while companies like BosonQ Psi and QpiAI are developing quantum-inspired optimization software for industries. Global quantum hardware companies are engaging with Indian partners: for example, Tech Mahindra has inked MoUs with hardware firms (like Finland’s IQM and France’s Pasqal) to jointly develop quantum applications in areas such as finance and telecom. This growing quantum startup ecosystem is supported by government innovation programs and incubators under the NQM. Together, these academic and industrial initiatives indicate that India’s quantum computing program, while still nascent, is gaining momentum with a coordinated push in research, talent development, and infrastructure.

Progress in Quantum Communications and Cryptography

Secure communication is a national priority driving India’s efforts in quantum cryptography and communications. A major focus has been on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – using quantum states of photons to distribute encryption keys with theoretically unbreakable security. Indian scientists achieved a breakthrough in free-space QKD in early 2021, when ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) demonstrated quantum-secure video conferencing over a 300 m atmospheric link in Ahmedabad. In this experiment, entangled photon pairs were used to share encryption keys between two buildings, and a live video call was encrypted with those keys, showcasing “unconditionally secure” communication in real-time. This feat – a first in India – relied on indigenously developed technologies like specialized timing synchronization (using NavIC GPS receivers) and a pointing/alignment system for the optical link. Building on that, the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru and ISRO extended free-space QKD to mobile scenarios. In March 2023, RRI’s Quantum Information and Computing lab led by Prof. Urbasi Sinha established a secure QKD link between a stationary transmitter and a receiver on a moving platform (a vehicle), using a custom Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) system to maintain the link. This demonstrated that India can implement quantum links that simulate a ground-satellite dynamic, an essential step toward satellite-based quantum networks. The RRI team had earlier also shown QKD between two campus buildings in 2021, and these progressive demonstrations are paving the way for longer-distance and space-based quantum communications.

Recognizing the strategic importance of quantum-secure communication, India is investing heavily in this area under the National Quantum Mission. The NQM’s objectives explicitly include developing satellite-based secure quantum communication across India and inter-city quantum networks. In practical terms, the Department of Space is planning to launch India’s first Quantum Communication Satellite by around 2026 to enable ultra-long-distance QKD. This would place India among an elite group (after China, the EU, and US) that have demonstrated space-based quantum links. The satellite will work in tandem with fiber-optic quantum networks on the ground: while fibers enable QKD up to a few hundred kilometers (with trusted nodes), satellites can bridge much larger distances by beaming quantum signals between ground stations. A nationwide quantum communication network is envisioned, combining fiber QKD for metro-area networks and satellites for backbone connectivity and international links.

In parallel, there have been successful field trials of fiber-based QKD. In 2022, a DRDO-supported project demonstrated QKD over 50 km of standard optical fiber, and several defense and academic labs are developing rugged QKD systems for metropolitan networks. QNu Labs, India’s pioneering quantum-security startup, has developed commercial QKD systems (e.g., its product “Tropos” for fiber QKD) and even deployed a pilot quantum-secure network for strategic agencies. The government’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) is also deeply involved – C-DOT has indigenously built a QKD platform based on the continuous-variable DPR protocol, with multiple patents filed. Notably, C-DOT’s design can multiplex quantum signals with classical traffic on the same fiber, eliminating the need for dedicated dark fibers. They are now advancing to more robust protocols like measurement-device-independent QKD to counter side-channel attacks. Under the umbrella of the “India Quantum Alliance” initiative, C-DOT is forming consortia of academia and industry to develop various quantum communication technologies – from chip-based QKD devices to quantum repeaters and even Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) methods. This public-private collaboration model aims to create a market-ready suite of quantum-secure communication products within a few years.

Beyond QKD, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is another pillar of India’s cryptographic research. Recognizing that large-scale quantum computers could eventually break widely used public-key algorithms (like RSA/ECC), Indian researchers are contributing to the global quest for quantum-resistant algorithms. C-DOT, for instance, has developed quantum-secure communications products that integrate PQC algorithms (lattice-based and code-based) which are candidates from the NIST standardization process. They have implemented a high-throughput (80 Mbps) quantum-safe encryptor that can use keys from either PQC or QKD (or a hybrid), aiming for defense-grade secure communication. Academic institutes such as IIT Kanpur and ISI Kolkata also have teams analyzing lattice-based encryption schemes and digital signature algorithms suited for a post-quantum world. The Cryptology Research Society of India holds workshops on PQC to train cybersecurity professionals. While India was not a major player in the algorithm design phase of NIST’s PQC competition, it is actively preparing to adopt and deploy these standards in government and banking systems to future-proof them. Overall, India’s approach to quantum-safe communications is twofold: use quantum cryptography (QKD) where possible for high-value links, and upgrade classical cryptography to PQC for broader applications – a strategy also reflected in international best practices.

Developments in Quantum Sensing and Metrology

Quantum sensing is an area where India is leveraging its expertise in atomic physics for practical applications in defense, navigation, and metrology. The National Quantum Mission explicitly prioritizes quantum sensors, with goals to develop magnetometers with high atomic sensitivity and atomic clocks for precision timing. Atomic clocks are critical for navigation (GPS/NavIC), telecommunications, and defense synchronization, and India’s work here has global importance. A team at RRI recently achieved a significant advance by using quantum magnetometry with cold Rydberg atoms to improve clock precision. They demonstrated a method to exploit electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in rubidium vapor, achieving a ten-fold enhancement in magnetic field sensitivity. This means the atomic clock’s frequency reference becomes more stable against environmental noise, leading to more accurate time-keeping. Such robust clocks would benefit India’s indigenous NavIC satellite navigation system and military communication networks by providing ultra-stable time signals. In fact, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi, which maintains India’s time standard, is adopting quantum metrology techniques (like cold atom fountains and optical lattice clocks) to achieve nanosecond-level accuracy critical for navigational satellites.

In the realm of magnetometry, quantum sensors are being pursued for detecting minute variations in magnetic fields – useful for mineral exploration, medical imaging (MRI), and submarine detection. DRDO has developed a prototype atomic magnetometer with femto-Tesla sensitivity (using laser-cooled atoms) for underwater use, potentially as a quantum compass or for detecting stealth objects. Similarly, quantum gravimeters are under development; as noted, IISER Pune’s I-Hub QTF is building a gravimeter based on cold atom interferometry. This device can measure tiny changes in Earth’s gravity, aiding underground resource mapping and inertial navigation where GPS is unavailable. In 2021, researchers at IIT Bombay and TIFR also demonstrated a lab-scale quantum strain sensor using entangled photonic states to detect picometer-level deformations in materials, illustrating the cross-disciplinary impact of quantum sensing.

Another fascinating application is in quantum optics-based instrumentation. India has ongoing projects to build quantum LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems that use entangled photons for better accuracy in range-finding and imaging through fog – something organizations like ISRO and DRDO are interested in for remote sensing and target identification. Quantum random number generators (QRNGs), though simpler, are also an important quantum device category: in 2021 DRDO announced it developed a fiber-optic QRNG that produces truly random numbers by detecting single-photon events. This QRNG has passed standard randomness tests and can be used to strengthen encryption keys in existing security systems until QKD is more widely available.

India is also exploring quantum sensing for biomedical and fundamental science. For instance, NV-center diamond sensors (tiny defects in diamonds that are extremely sensitive to magnetic and electric fields) are being researched at institutes like IISc for applications ranging from MRI magnetic field mapping to detecting early-stage cancers via magnetically labeled biomarkers. The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune has even proposed using arrays of quantum sensors (like atomic clocks and SQUID magnetometers) in gravitational wave detection, complementing large interferometers with local quantum-enhanced sensors. While these projects are at an early stage, they show the breadth of India’s interest in quantum metrology.

From a defense perspective, quantum sensors could provide strategic advantages. Inertial navigation systems enhanced by quantum interferometry could allow submarines or spacecraft to navigate with extreme precision without GPS. Quantum radar concepts – using entangled photons to detect objects with low reflectivity – are studied theoretically within DRDO’s labs, following global trends. Additionally, high-sensitivity quantum gravimeters could help detect underground bunkers or tunnels from a distance. The Indian Navy and Air Force are tracking such developments closely, as evidenced by DRDO’s dedicated Quantum Technology roadmaps since 2021. With NQM funding, specialized testbeds for quantum sensing are being set up (e.g., at RRI and IIT Delhi) to transition these sensors from lab prototypes to field-deployable devices.

In summary, India’s work in quantum sensing and metrology, though less publicized than quantum computing or communication, is a crucial component of its quantum technology drive. By harnessing quantum phenomena for more precise measurements – whether of time, magnetic fields, gravity, or other physical parameters – India aims to bolster everything from navigation reliability to resource exploration and defense surveillance. These efforts also tap into the country’s strong physics research base, linking fundamental science with real-world technology development.

India’s Global Position in Quantum Technology

On the global stage, India’s quantum program is growing but still catching up to the front-runners. The United States, China, and the European Union have head-starts of several years and multi-billion-dollar investments in quantum tech. In quantum computing, for instance, China and the US have demonstrated processors with dozens to even hundreds of qubits, whereas India’s largest home-built processor is currently 6-7 qubits. Chinese researchers led by Pan Jianwei unveiled a 66-qubit superconducting chip (Zuchongzhi-2) in 2021, and companies like IBM in the US have a 433-qubit device (with plans for a 1000+ qubit system by 2024). India, as a latecomer, is targeting the 50-1000 qubit range by 2031 through its NQM – an ambitious goal that will require not just funding but also sustained scientific breakthroughs. In quantum communication, China is the undisputed leader, having launched the Micius quantum satellite in 2016 and achieved intercontinental QKD and quantum teleportation experiments. The EU and US have extensive fiber QKD networks and are piloting their own satellites (the EU’s Quantum Secure Communications via satellite, and NASA’s upcoming experiments). By contrast, India’s first quantum satellite is still in the planning stage (expected ~2026), and current achievements are limited to <300 km terrestrial demos. This lag is acknowledged as a strategic vulnerability – as one analysis noted, India remains “far behind China in quantum communication,” which could be critical for cybersecurity.

However, India has strengths that could help it leapfrog in certain areas. It has a vast pool of software engineers and mathematicians, which is essential for developing quantum algorithms, error-correction schemes, and quantum-ready applications. Indian researchers have already performed well in theoretical quantum information science – studies show India’s output in quantum science publications is among the top 10 globally, though it lags in high-impact experimental work. The NQM’s emphasis on translating research to applications is meant to address this gap. Additionally, India’s diaspora and international partnerships serve as a bridge to global knowledge. Collaborative agreements like the U.S.-India Quantum Coordination Mechanism (2023) aim to facilitate joint research and talent exchange. India is also part of multilateral forums (like the Quantum Cooperation Memorandum under QUAD) which provide access to expertise from the US, Japan, and Australia. These partnerships could accelerate India’s progress and integrate it into global supply chains for quantum components (where currently China, US, Germany, and others dominate).

Funding and scale remain a challenge. India’s NQM budget (~$730 million), while substantial, is smaller than the EU’s €1 billion Quantum Flagship or the estimated $10+ billion that China has poured into quantum research (including a national lab for quantum science). The U.S. National Quantum Initiative Act (2018) initially provided $1.2 billion and has since been bolstered by additional investments from DOE, NSF, and private tech companies. India will likely need to increase funding over time to keep pace, especially in building expensive infrastructure like fabrication facilities for qubit chips or quantum satellite payloads. On the positive side, India’s cost of research can be lower, and there is now strong political will – quantum tech was explicitly mentioned in the Prime Minister’s Technology Vision and in multiple budget speeches, underscoring its national importance.

In terms of human capital, India has comparable numbers of theoretical physicists in quantum information as leading countries, but far fewer experimental scientists and engineers in quantum engineering. Estimates in 2023 put India’s core quantum R&D workforce at roughly 110–150 researchers (Principal Investigators) across all subfields, compared to several hundreds in the US or China. This is changing as more IITs and universities launch quantum computing programs (M.Tech/Ph.D. tracks) and send students for training abroad. The government’s Quantum Computing Applications Labs – like the one set up with AWS at IISc – and upcoming testbeds will provide hands-on experience to young scientists. The mission is also fostering startups to prevent brain-drain by providing opportunities within India. Still, in the short term, India’s quantum workforce shortage is a concern, something noted by mission advisors who stress the need for skill development at scale.

Comparatively, India’s edge could be in quantum software and services, leveraging its IT sector. Already, Indian IT firms are offering quantum consulting services to global clients (e.g., Infosys and TCS have teams working on quantum algorithms for optimization, finance, and machine learning). If India can’t immediately rival the US or China in hardware, it could still become a leader in quantum software development, algorithm design, and integration services, a huge future market. Moreover, India’s focus on applications relevant to societal needs – like quantum sensors for agriculture (soil testing) or quantum random numbers for secure digital payments – may carve out a niche where it leads in deploying quantum tech at scale domestically.

In summary, India’s global position in quantum tech is that of an emerging player: not yet at the cutting-edge demonstrated by the US or China, but rapidly building capacity. Its strengths in theory, software, and its new policy push could see it become a significant contributor in the next decade. The challenge will be sustaining funding, fostering public-private collaboration, and creating an ecosystem that incentivizes innovation and retains talent. If those challenges are met, India could close the gap and even offer unique innovations to the global quantum community.

Conclusion and Forward Outlook

India stands at the cusp of a quantum technology revolution, backed by strong government resolve and a collaborative ecosystem of academia and industry. The establishment of the National Quantum Mission has unified previously disparate efforts under a common vision – one that seeks to transition India from a follower to a leader in the second quantum revolution. In the coming years, we can expect to see the fruits of the ongoing initiatives: a few 50+ qubit prototypes from Indian labs, perhaps using multiple qubit modalities, demonstrating basic quantum algorithms; the launch of India’s quantum satellite enabling secure communications between distant cities and with strategic partners; and the rollout of pilot quantum networks linking government and defense installations with QKD-secured fiber optic links. Progress in sensors will likely yield deployable atomic clocks that make India’s navigation systems more precise, and quantum magnetometers that enhance submarine detection and mineral exploration.

One forward-looking impact will be on India’s cybersecurity posture – as quantum computers elsewhere grow, India is actively integrating quantum-safe encryption (via QKD and PQC) into its critical infrastructure, aiming to stay ahead of adversaries in the cryptographic realm. Economically, the coming years should see India’s quantum startup sector expand, fueled by mission grants and possibly foreign investment, leading to homegrown products like quantum random number generators, specialized quantum software, and even cloud-accessible quantum processors hosted in India. The mission’s focus on innovation suggests support for incubators and “quantum challenge” competitions, which will encourage young entrepreneurs and researchers to tackle open problems in quantum error correction, scalability, and materials.

International cooperation will also shape the outlook. We anticipate deeper collaborations such as joint quantum research centers (for example, an Indo-US Quantum Center as hinted by recent agreements ) and participation in global quantum networks (India connecting with the EU’s quantum communication infrastructure or regional initiatives in Asia). As standards for quantum communications and cryptography mature, India will be part of the dialogue to ensure interoperability and security. Another expected development is in the area of quantum education: aligning with Skill India goals, specialized programs in quantum engineering will emerge at more universities, and online platforms (some in partnership with companies like IBM and Microsoft) will train thousands of students in quantum computing basics, thus widening the talent base.

India’s long-term vision is to harness quantum technologies for both strategic advantage and economic development. If the current momentum continues, by the end of this decade India could reasonably have a few quantum computing facilities (hubs) operational, a secure quantum communication backbone for governmental use, and indigenous industries supplying critical quantum components (from single-photon detectors to cryostats). Achieving this will not be without hurdles – issues such as scaling qubit coherence, manufacturing hardware at home, and bridging the gap from lab experiments to real-world deployment are non-trivial. Yet, the convergence of policy support, funding, and scientific dedication seen now is unprecedented in India’s science & technology history.