PM Modi Says India Has Shifted From Adopting Technologies to Developing Its Own Innovations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India is shifting from adopting technologies developed overseas to creating innovations that can serve markets worldwide. Addressing scientists, researchers and startup founders, he encouraged them to pursue ambitious ideas and take a leading role in developing future technologies.

Speaking at the inauguration of the second Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) at Bharat Mandapam, Modi reflected on Indias earlier dependence on foreign inventions. He said the country had traditionally adopted technologies developed elsewhere, often years after their introduction, before making limited improvements. According to him, India is now approaching scientific and technological development with greater confidence and a stronger focus on original innovation.

Modi said Indias ambition should extend beyond developing technology for domestic needs. The country should also help shape global technological progress and create solutions to challenges faced by people around the world. He added that his interaction with startup founders at the event highlighted the growing ambition of young Indians and the scale of their ideas.

The three-day conclave is being held under the theme Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies. Discussing financial support for research and innovation, Modi said the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund announced at the previous edition of the conclave was beginning to produce results. He stated that commitments of approximately ₹12,000 crore had been made towards technologies, with private-sector investment matching that amount and bringing the combined figure to ₹24,000 crore.

Highlighting Indias future energy requirements, the Prime Minister referred to the birth anniversary of physicist Homi J. Bhabha, observed on October 30. He said a developed India would require substantial nuclear energy capacity and identified reliance on imported nuclear fuel as a concern for the countrys energy security. Modi also highlighted Indias ability to develop and deploy solutions on a large scale, citing the countrys digital public infrastructure and 5G networks as examples. He emphasised that science and technology should primarily serve humanity rather than be viewed simply as instruments of power. Their true value, he said, lies in their ability to address major challenges and improve peoples lives.

The Prime Minister identified semiconductors, quantum technology, biotechnology, advanced materials, robotics, space, clean energy and next-generation communications as key areas likely to shape the future. He said India was strengthening its scientific capabilities in these fields through dedicated national missions. He also stressed the importance of safety and security as emerging technologies advance, particularly in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and autonomous systems. Concluding his remarks, Modi said Indias progress across sectors ranging from nuclear energy and space exploration to AI and semiconductors reflected growing national capabilities and confidence in emerging technologies.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.