PM Modi Highlights India’s Shift to Technology Creation at ESTIC 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC 2026) held at Bharat Mandapam, emphasizing a significant transformation in India's approach to technology. Speaking on Tuesday, Modi remarked that India has moved beyond the phase of merely adopting foreign inventions to becoming a creator of new technologies that can serve the global community.

Modi reflected on the country’s technological journey since independence, noting that for many decades India was focused on catching up with innovations developed elsewhere. "The decades after Independence were spent on catch-up, which means something was invented abroad, reached here years later, we adopted and improvised in small ways," he explained. The prime minister contrasted this with the present scenario, describing it as one marked by fresh thinking and increased self-assurance.

He urged scientists, innovators, and startup founders to embrace bold innovation, aiming not only to create technologies suitable for India but also to set global trends and address worldwide challenges. Modi shared his personal observations from meeting young entrepreneurs, expressing admiration for the ambitious scale and confidence with which India’s youth are advancing their ideas.

The ESTIC 2026 conclave, spanning three days, centered on the theme "Creative Minds, Catalyzing Science, Empowering Technologies." It serves as a platform to highlight and support emerging scientific and technological developments. Modi also touched on the progress made in funding research and development, noting the impact of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund announced at last year’s conclave.

According to the prime minister, approximately ₹12,000 crore has already been allocated to various technological projects, with an equal amount invested by the private sector. This combined investment of ₹24,000 crore reflects growing confidence and collaboration between public and private stakeholders in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.

Modi also paid tribute to physicist Homi J. Bhabha on the occasion of his birth anniversary on October 30. Highlighting the importance of nuclear energy for India's development, the prime minister identified reliance on imported nuclear fuel as a risk to the country's energy security.

Another area Modi highlighted is India’s capability to deliver solutions at scale. He cited the digital public infrastructure and the rollout of 5G technology as key examples. Modi stressed that India views science and technology as tools for serving humanity rather than as instruments of conflict or power. He pointed out that the true value of any technology lies in its ability to solve significant problems and improve many lives.

Looking ahead, Modi identified several high-impact sectors poised to shape the future, including semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials, robotics, space exploration, clean energy, and next-generation communication networks. He noted that India is laying a solid scientific base for these areas through dedicated national missions.

Safety and security concerns remain paramount, especially in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and autonomous systems. Modi emphasized the need to prioritize these aspects as India advances in these domains.

Summarizing his remarks, Modi stated, "From nuclear to space, from AI to semiconductors, every sector has different needs. But their message is one: India is increasing both its strength and its confidence in emerging technologies." This message conveys a clear vision of India as a proactive innovator on the global stage, ready to contribute new solutions and technologies for the benefit of its citizens and the wider world.

India's technological evolution reflects a broader global trend where nations are investing heavily in science and innovation as drivers of economic growth and development. By focusing on indigenous research, public-private partnerships, and building infrastructure that supports rapid technological deployment, India aims to secure a prominent position in the international science and technology arena.