Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a Viksit Bharat 2047 is centered on transforming India into a global hub of innovation and technological advancement. As the nation approaches its centenary of independence, Modi’s roadmap emphasizes a profound shift from being primarily a technology consumer to becoming a pioneering force in research, development, and innovation (RD), particularly in high-tech domains. This vision intertwines India’s rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology to create a prosperous, self-reliant, and future-ready India.

A cornerstone of this vision is the landmark Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Scheme, launched in July 2025. With a robust funding corpus of ₹1 lakh crore, this initiative places the private sector front and center in advancing India’s high-tech capabilities. Unlike past programs that broadly spread resources, the RDI scheme focuses on projects that are mature and application-ready, especially in strategic sectors like advanced manufacturing, defense technology, semiconductors, and green energy. This approach prioritizes practical impact and national technology sovereignty, enabling India to compete globally in frontier technologies such as advanced robotics and green hydrogen.

To further streamline the country’s RD ecosystem, Modi’s government has unified multiple research initiatives under Vigyan Dhara, a comprehensive program with a budget exceeding ₹10,000 crore. This scheme aims to bolster research infrastructure, promote scientific talent development, and encourage translational research that bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and industrial applications. Since its inception, it has positively impacted tens of thousands of researchers and institutions, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for innovation.

India’s push in artificial intelligence (AI) exemplifies the broader strategy of making advanced technologies accessible and affordable. The government has facilitated access to over 34,000 GPUs at subsidized rates, significantly lowering the barriers for researchers, startups, and academic institutions. This infrastructure enables indigenous development in AI, with projects ranging from foundational models to applied innovations that can enhance sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance. Complementing this are initiatives such as Data and AI labs in smaller cities, making technology education and innovation more inclusive.

Beyond deep tech, Modi’s vision extends to creating technology-driven social impact and economic growth. For example, programs like the NaMo Drone Didi empower rural women with drone technology in agriculture, blending innovation with grassroots empowerment. The broader goal includes generating millions of jobs in emerging industries, nurturing startups, and positioning India as a manufacturing powerhouse with high-value tech exports.

PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision presents a comprehensive blueprint to leverage innovation and RD for nation-building. By fostering private sector leadership, strengthening research ecosystems, democratizing technology access, and aligning with India’s cultural strengths, this vision aims to catapult India into the forefront of the global high-tech landscape by its 100th year of independence.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times