India Advances Toward Quantum Future at Third International Quantum Communication Conclave

New Delhi: In a major step towards securing India’s leadership in next-generation technologies, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), hosted the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave in the capital today. The high-level gathering brought together global experts, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of quantum communication with a strong emphasis on standardization, secure digital transformation, and research.

The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. The event also saw the presence of Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC and Secretary (Telecom); and Tripti Saxena, Senior DDG and Head of TEC.

Organized as part of India’s strategic efforts under the ₹6003.65 crore National Quantum Mission launched in 2023, the conclave reaffirmed the country’s resolve to lead in quantum communication technologies. The mission, a key initiative under the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory Council, seeks to accelerate R&D in quantum fields and foster innovation through collaboration among academia, startups, and industry.

During the event, three key documents were unveiled to support the deployment of quantum-safe technologies: the Standard on Generic Requirements for Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG), a Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and a Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/Beyond 5G Core using PQC. These resources aim to guide organizations in adopting quantum-resilient security systems and preparing for a post-quantum cyber landscape.

In his inaugural address, Minister Scindia hailed quantum computing as a game-changer that will “define innovation, accelerate scientific discovery and unlock multiple solutions to human problems that were hitherto always thought of as insurmountable.” He emphasized that “the future now is quantum,” urging participants to embrace this paradigm shift with “boldness, brilliance, and a clear sense of purpose.”

The Minister also led the participants in observing a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which he strongly condemned as a “cowardly, heinous attack by inhuman elements.”

Minister of State Dr. Pemmasani, in his special address, stressed India’s deep investments in quantum computing, sensing, materials, and communication under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He lauded the contributions of startups and institutions delivering indigenous quantum solutions and encouraged innovators to challenge conventional thought.

Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted the significance of the conclave taking place in 2025, which the United Nations has declared the Year of Quantum. Reflecting on a century of progress in quantum science, he noted that we are now in a “second revolution” with tools that allow unprecedented control over quantum systems.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal expressed confidence that the conclave would help redefine scientific and regulatory boundaries and inform future policy frameworks. He underscored the interdisciplinary nature of quantum technologies and the need for collaborative efforts across sectors.

Technical sessions at the conclave featured leading voices in quantum research from India and abroad, including Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay (C-DOT), Dr. Anandaraman Sankaran (Japan), Dr. Ray Harishankar (IBM, USA), Dr. Kaveh Delfanazari (University of Glasgow, UK), Mr. Rowan Högman (Ericsson, Sweden), Dr. Urbasi Sinha (Raman Research Institute), and Prof. Anil Prabhakar (IIT Madras), among others.

The event also included exhibitions by R&D institutions and startups such as C-DOT, CR Rao AIMSCS, QuNu Labs, QpiAI, Qutess Labs, and New Age Instruments & Materials Pvt. Ltd., showcasing cutting-edge innovations in quantum communication technologies.

With a focus on strengthening contributions to international standardization bodies and identifying gaps in current frameworks, the conclave marked a significant step in India’s ambition to become a global powerhouse in quantum technology.