New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called upon the scientists and engineers to gain command over high-end technologies, like Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, to strengthen India’s position in the field of advance, frontier and cutting-edge innovation.
Addressing the inaugural session of Indian National Academy of Engineering’s Annual Convention at IIT Delhi here, he emphasised that these niche technologies are going to impact almost every sector in a big way in the coming times, a Defence Ministry statement said.
“Right now, we are in the initial phase. Our aim should be to first gain command over these technologies, so that in the future, they can be used for the welfare of the people to fulfil their immediate basic needs,” Rajnath added.
Singh pointed out that the world is continuously evolving, and the defence sector cannot remain untouched by this change.
The Defence Minister stated that earlier, due to some reasons, India was left behind in terms of modern weapons and technology, but ever since the Government, has come to power, the country has moved towards self-reliance in defence at an unprecedented pace.
“Modern warfare is changing rapidly, therefore there is a need to adopt high-end technology. Towards this, we have brought out schemes like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) to bring out the talent of the youth, through which their as well as the nation’s dreams can come true,” he said.
Singh asserted that India is passing through a defining moment as it is exporting even those weapons which it once imported. He credited this revolutionary transformation to the collective efforts of the public and private sectors, academia, and engineers and innovators, exuding confidence that the country will soon achieve a formidable technical edge in the global arena.
Rajnath lauded the role of IITs in the scientific development of the country in collaboration with DRDO, and called for establishing an even better organic relationship among the industry, research & development organisations and academia.
“In developed countries, academic campuses play an important role in progressing frontier technologies. There is a need to explore ways on how to co-opt IIT Delhi and similar institutions of higher scientific learning & excellence with the government’s development campaign,” he added.
The Minister commended Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) for playing a crucial role in making India self-reliant. By focusing on innovation, collaboration and modernisation, this institute has started a technological revolution in India, he said.
Singh also urged the engineers and innovators to never forget the country’s heritage as they make headway in new and disruptive technologies.
On the occasion, Rajnath also visited the exhibition put up by defence industries, wherein technologies and products developed by Defence-Industry-Academia co-operation were showcased.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat, INAE president Indranil Manna, Director, IIT Delhi Rangan Banerjee and others were present.
