On December 19, 2024, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the opening of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Annual Convention at IIT Delhi. He urged scientists and engineers to specialize in cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Computing to position India as a global leader in innovation. Singh emphasized that proficiency in these technologies is vital for the nation’s progress and well-being.
Discussing India’s shift towards self-reliance, Singh highlighted initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the Technology Development Fund (TDF), which aim to harness the talent of the youth for national defense. These efforts are intended to drive technological advancements and ensure India’s defense independence.
The Minister also commended IITs for their pivotal role in scientific advancements and called for more robust partnerships between academia, industry, and research organizations. He expressed optimism about India’s growing innovation ecosystem and the country’s increasing prominence as a hub for technological advancements and start-ups. While encouraging engineers to adopt modern technologies, Singh reminded them of the importance of connecting to India’s rich heritage and building upon it to create a prosperous future. The three-day convention, attended by 400 delegates from various sectors, provides an essential platform for sharing knowledge and advancing engineering developments.
