The year 2024 marked a transformative period for India in science and technology, with groundbreaking achievements in space exploration, renewable energy, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. These milestones not only reflected India’s growing technical capabilities but also demonstrated its dedication to addressing global challenges through innovation. As the nation moves into 2025, its aspirations in science and technology are poised to further drive progress, focusing on self-reliance, sustainability, and equitable growth.

Driving Self-Reliance through Innovation

India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative has set the tone for achieving technological self-sufficiency. By 2025, India aims for significant strides in areas like advanced manufacturing, AI, quantum computing, and robotics. Government-backed schemes, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and investments in start-ups, are expected to fuel innovation, reduce reliance on imports, and establish India as a global manufacturing hub.

Digital India: Bridging the Divide

The ‘Digital India’ campaign continues to be a key driver, aiming to bridge the digital divide by ensuring internet access and digital literacy for all. Expectations for 2025 include universal 5G coverage, with preparations for 6G, advancing smart cities, precision agriculture, and enhancing healthcare delivery. Digital platforms in education, governance, and telemedicine are expected to evolve, utilizing AI and big data for personalized services. Ensuring cybersecurity and data privacy will be crucial to supporting this digital ecosystem.

Sustainability through Green Technology

India’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 underscores its focus on green technology. By 2025, the country aims to make substantial progress in renewable energy, especially solar and wind, while also advancing energy storage technologies. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum by 2030, positioning India as a leader in green hydrogen production. Additionally, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is anticipated to gain momentum, supported by policies promoting EV manufacturing and charging infrastructure.

Space Exploration and National Security

India continues to rise as a space-faring nation, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieving remarkable milestones in 2024. The successful Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions, along with the first space docking mission, SpaDeX, have solidified India’s space capabilities. By 2025, the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and enhanced satellite technology are expected to elevate India’s global space presence. In partnership with NASA, the NISAR satellite will monitor Earth’s ecosystems, ice, and land surfaces. Concurrently, India’s defense sector is focusing on indigenous weapon systems and AI integration to bolster national security.

Advancing Health and Biotechnology

Building on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s healthcare sector is poised for breakthroughs in vaccine development, genome editing, and personalized medicine by 2025. Strengthening research on diseases prevalent in India, such as diabetes and tuberculosis, is a top priority. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will integrate healthcare services, ensuring accessibility and affordability for citizens.

Harnessing Traditional Knowledge Systems

India’s rich heritage in traditional knowledge, such as Ayurveda, offers unique opportunities to integrate ancient wisdom with modern science. By 2025, India aims to document, validate, and commercialize these systems, fostering global adoption and enhancing their relevance in contemporary healthcare and sustainable practices.

Fostering Global Collaborations

India envisions itself as a leader in shaping international policies on emerging technologies and sustainability by 2025. Strengthening global collaborations on issues like climate change, infectious diseases, and AI ethics will be central to India’s scientific aspirations. Through active participation in global initiatives, India aims to address pressing global challenges while driving innovation on the world stage.

Investing in Basic Sciences

To emerge as a global innovation hub, India must address systemic challenges in its basic science ecosystem. Although institutions like the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) are helping to strengthen basic science education, attracting and retaining talent in fundamental disciplines like physics, chemistry, and biology remains a challenge. Policymakers, educators, and industry leaders must collaborate to invest in these foundational sciences to drive long-term progress and technological breakthroughs.

India’s vision for 2025 reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global leadership. By fostering an ecosystem of self-reliance, digital inclusivity, green technologies, and cutting-edge research, India is poised to continue its journey as a global leader in science and technology, ensuring a brighter future for its citizens and the world.