PM Modi Calls for India to Lead the World in Creating Future Technologies
NEW DELHI, October 28 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on India to move beyond adopting technologies developed elsewhere and become a global creator of emerging scientific and technological solutions.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on October 27, Modi highlighted India’s progress in nuclear energy, space technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. He said the country should strengthen its capabilities in critical technologies while ensuring that scientific advances improve people’s lives.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ESTIC 2026 and called for India to lead in creating future technologies.
Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.
Authority/Organisation: Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Action Taken: The three-day conclave opened on October 27 with plenary talks, technical sessions and a startup exhibition.
- Impact: The event aims to strengthen research-industry collaboration and encourage measurable progress in emerging technologies.
The three-day conclave, scheduled from October 27 to 29, brings together scientists, researchers, academics, policymakers, industry representatives, startups and international experts. Its programme is designed to connect research priorities with industrial development and the practical use of new technologies.
Focus on measurable research outcomes
During his address, Modi urged researchers, industry leaders, startup founders and students to set specific three-year targets for developing technologies, prototypes, pilot projects or products. He emphasised that the conclave should produce measurable results rather than remain limited to discussions and the exchange of ideas.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Building domestic technology capacity: Developing critical technologies within India can support national research priorities and reduce dependence on external solutions in selected fields. Connecting research with practical needs: Scientific breakthroughs have greater public value when they can be translated into applications for healthcare, agriculture, education, employment, energy and disaster resilience. Modi highlighted these areas during his address. Press Information Bureau Supporting startups and collaboration: Bringing researchers, investors, industry leaders and policymakers together can help identify opportunities for partnerships, technology development and commercialisation. The conclave provides a forum for these discussions, although their long-term outcomes will depend on follow-through. Promoting responsible AI: The Prime Minister’s emphasis on verifying AI-generated answers highlights the continuing role of human judgement, testing and accountability in scientific work.
Press Information Bureau
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s work in nuclear energy, including progress in fast breeder reactor technology. The official account of his address noted that the indigenous 500-megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor had achieved first criticality earlier in 2026. He also referred to developments in India’s space sector, AI capabilities, semiconductor production and battery storage.
AI must support independent scientific thinking
Modi cautioned that artificial intelligence can provide rapid answers, but researchers must independently test their accuracy. He called for AI to support scientific judgement and enable researchers to focus on more difficult questions, experiments and validation.
He also highlighted the importance of safety and security in areas such as AI, synthetic biology and autonomous systems, including the need to address emerging cybersecurity risks.
Scientists and industry meet at ESTIC
The Ministry of Science and Technology reported that the opening day brought together more than 5,000 global delegates. The programme included plenary talks by Nobel laureates Joachim Frank and Richard Roberts, technical sessions, a startup exhibition and discussions on linking research with industrial scale-up.
Press Information Bureau
Sessions explored advanced manufacturing, generative and autonomous AI, and systems and synthetic biology. The broader conclave covers 12 priority areas, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, climate and ocean sciences.
The event is scheduled to continue until October 29. Its broader objective is to strengthen collaboration between research institutions, industry and government, while helping promising technologies move from laboratories towards practical use.
