Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 12: On the occasion of National Technology Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the nation and commemorated the historic 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, describing them as a defining moment in India's pursuit of self-reliance and scientific excellence.
"Best wishes on National Technology Day! This is a moment to salute our scientists and celebrate the legacy of the Pokhran tests, which marked a turning point in India’s development journey," the Prime Minister stated. He highlighted India's emergence as a global player in domains such as space exploration, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and green technologies, while reaffirming the nation's resolve to empower future generations through science, technology, and research. “May technology uplift humanity, ensure national security, and propel us toward a futuristic growth trajectory,” he added.
At the official celebrations, Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized the growing role of technology in modern warfare, asserting that recent events had showcased India’s indigenous capabilities. “What the world has witnessed is the result of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action. Today’s conflicts are driven by technological superiority, and India has proven its mettle,” Singh said, referring to comments by a Pakistani minister acknowledging India’s transformation.
He also underlined the strategic need to bolster domestic innovation to reduce dependence on foreign powers. Since 2014, Singh said, India has prioritized indigenisation, with technologies like drones now central to defence operations and a symbol of India’s shifting approach to security.
Adding to the dialogue, Dr Ajai Chowdhry, Chairman of the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission, issued a stark warning: future conflicts will be fought not with guns, but with code and chips. “The battlefield of tomorrow will be dominated by semiconductors and intellectual capital, not conventional arms,” he remarked, quoting a U.S. senator.
Dr Chowdhry pointed to rising technology restrictions from the U.S. and Europe, and resource constraints imposed by China — including rare earth material export limits — as signs of a new kind of geopolitical conflict. “India’s technological rise is not welcome by some global powers. The game now is to keep us as consumers, not creators,” he cautioned.
He urged a shift away from dependence on U.S. technology and Chinese trade, emphasizing the strategic challenge posed by China’s support for Pakistan with advanced technologies. “Time is of the essence. The world is changing faster than ever. India’s strength lies in its talent, and we must respond with agility and foresight,” he said, concluding that science and innovation are vital to India’s global standing and future prosperity.