Quantum-secure communication: India covers 1,000 km, says Jitendra Singh
Why in the news
On 10 October 2026, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said India has achieved 1,000 km of quantum-secure communication in the last three years. That is half of the National Quantum Mission’s target.
Key facts
- Event: the minister addressed the 121st Annual Session of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi.
- Achievement: 1,000 km of quantum-secure communication over three years.
- Target: the mission set out to reach 2,000 km in eight years.
- Message to industry: speed up innovation, turn research into commercial ventures and scale up technology to meet the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Self-reliance: India should move from adopting foreign technology to building indigenous frontier technologies with global relevance.
- Security angle: he called quantum communication strategically and security-wise important.
| Parameter | Figure |
|---|---|
| Achieved so far | 1,000 km in 3 years |
| Mission target | 2,000 km in 8 years |
| NQM outlay | ₹6,003.65 crore |
| NQM period | 2023-24 to 2030-31 |
About the National Quantum Mission
- Approved by the Union Cabinet on 19 April 2023.
- Aims include intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in eight years, using platforms such as superconducting and photonic technology.
- Communication goals: satellite-based secure quantum links between ground stations 2,000 km apart within India, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2,000 km, and long-distance secure links with other countries.
- Four thematic hubs are to be set up in leading academic and national R&D institutes.
Exam angle
- Remember the numbers: 1,000 km achieved versus a 2,000 km target.
- NQM: approved April 2023, ₹6,003.65 crore, runs until 2030-31.
- Link the topic with quantum key distribution, cyber security and Viksit Bharat 2047.