New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) India must emerge as a global leader in critical and emerging technologies to secure its technological sovereignty and define its place in the world order, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.

Addressing the PAN-IIT Alumni Conference in Los Angeles virtually, Singh asserted that India can no longer remain merely a consumer of technology and must instead become a creator, designer and global driver of innovation.

“This shift is essential for the country to shape its global rise and safeguard long-term strategic interests,” he noted.

Speaking to a gathering of IIT alumni, including global technology leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors, the minister highlighted that India stands at a defining moment in its development journey.

He linked this vision to the broader goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047, where science, technology, and innovation will form the backbone of economic growth and global influence.

Singh pointed to India’s expanding space programme, rapid progress in biotechnology, and the emergence of deep-tech startups as signs of the country’s growing technological capabilities.

“These advancements demonstrate India’s potential to compete globally in high-impact sectors,” Dr Singh explained.

Emphasising the importance of the Indian diaspora, particularly IIT alumni, he described them as key connectors between India and global innovation ecosystems.

“Their contributions through investments, mentorship, and institutional collaborations have played a crucial role in strengthening India’s development trajectory,” he noted.

The minister also acknowledged the role of the Indian Institutes of Technology in building the country’s technological leadership, with alumni leading global corporations, driving cutting-edge research, and influencing public policy.

However, he added that the focus must now shift towards identifying and investing in the next frontier of growth.

Highlighting sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum technologies, Singh said these domains will be critical for national security, economic resilience, and global competitiveness.

He called for deeper collaboration between academia, industry, and government, along with new models of education and institution-building.

–IANS

pk