Quantum key distribution: India’s first 5.56 km free-space QKD link
Why in the news
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) reported on 3 October 2026 that India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link was successfully demonstrated over a distance of 5.56 km in Gujarat.
Key facts
- Partners: QNu Labs, together with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
- Link: 5.56 km through open air, between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar.
- Trials: conducted at night on 27-28 September 2026.
- Technologies: QNu Labs’ hardware QKD device Armos, built for free-space optical channels, and BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach, a post-quantum cryptography platform with quantum random number generation.
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Distance | 5.56 km |
| Quantum bit error rate (QBER) | below 5% |
| Secure key rate | 230-260 bits per second |
BISAG-N Director General Dr. Vinay Thakur described the integration as a key step towards practical quantum-secure communication.
About QKD
Quantum Key Distribution uses principles of quantum mechanics to create and share encryption keys between two parties. A free-space link sends the signal through air rather than optical fibre. BISAG-N stands for Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics.
Exam angle
- Note the distance (5.56 km), the partners and the location (Gandhinagar, Gujarat).
- Know the device names: Armos (QNu Labs) and Vedic Kavach (BISAG-N).
- Understand QBER and post-quantum cryptography as basic terms.