Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 19: India is no longer just keeping pace with global advancements but is now leading the way in sectors such as space exploration, biotechnology, and nuclear energy, according to Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology. Speaking on Wednesday, Singh emphasized that India is setting global benchmarks and pioneering innovations that are gaining worldwide recognition.
“The clock has turned 360 degrees. Earlier, we learned from others; now, the world looks up to us. The traffic is both ways,” he said, highlighting the nation’s remarkable progress in science and technology.
India’s space sector has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, with the recent Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) demonstrating the country’s advanced orbital docking capabilities. Singh called SpaDeX a milestone that will pave the way for future missions such as Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)—India’s planned space station.
India has also become a preferred destination for satellite launches. "We have successfully launched 433 foreign satellites, generating $157 million and 260 million euros in revenue between 2014 and 2023,” Singh revealed.
India is emerging as a leader in biotechnology and bioeconomy, making groundbreaking contributions such as introducing the world’s first herpesvirus vaccine for cervical cancer. The nation’s bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $140 billion today, with projections to reach $250 billion in the coming years.
“The number of biotech startups has skyrocketed from just 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today,” Singh noted, underscoring India's rise as a global biotech innovation hub. India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific region and 12th globally in bio-manufacturing.
India is also taking bold steps in space biology, focusing on human survival beyond Earth. Singh highlighted the growing importance of space medicine and human physiology research, where India is setting new standards.
India has set ambitious targets in nuclear energy, aiming to generate 100 gigawatts of power by 2047. The country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 50% is shaping global climate strategies. Singh pointed out that India’s nuclear policy, envisioned by Homi Bhabha, is now recognized as a model for responsible energy development.
India’s scientific contributions are gaining international recognition. The country now ranks fourth globally in scientific publications, while its space economy is expected to grow five to ten times in the next decade.
With its rapid advancements, India is not just participating in global progress—it is driving it.