Jitendra Singh Says India Is Set to Shape the Next Industrial Revolution With AI and Biotechnology

NEW DELHI, India — Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday that India is positioned to play a key role in the next industrial revolution, which he said is likely to be driven by biotechnology and artificial intelligence. Speaking at a media conclave attended by technology developers, industry leaders and other stakeholders, Singh said India had moved from being a technology follower to emerging as a global player across several frontier sectors.

• Jitendra Singh said biotechnology and AI are expected to drive the next industrial revolution.
• India has launched initiatives including BioE3, the National Quantum Mission and the IndiaAI Mission.
• India’s space economy has grown to around USD 9 billion and is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion over the next eight to nine years.
• Singh called for closer government-industry cooperation to achieve India’s 2047 development and technology ambitions.

India Poised to Shape the Next Industrial Revolution

Singh said India had been late in participating in the previous industrial revolution, which was largely driven by information technology. He argued that the country is now better positioned to influence the next phase of technological transformation.

“India will be an essential player in the next industrial revolution which will be biotechnology and AI driven.”

The minister pointed to developments in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and space as evidence of India’s expanding capabilities in frontier technologies.

Biotechnology and AI at the Centre of Future Growth

Singh said India is among the countries with a dedicated biotechnology policy and highlighted the BioE3 initiative as part of the country’s efforts in the sector. He also referred to the National Quantum Mission and IndiaAI Mission as important initiatives supporting technological development.

According to Singh, the global economy is gradually moving towards emerging sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, the circular economy and recycling, alongside conventional manufacturing.

He said biotechnology could have an increasing influence on healthcare, agriculture and food production while creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth.

India’s Space Economy Expands After Policy Reforms

The minister highlighted the transformation of India’s space sector as another example of the country’s changing technological landscape. He said the space economy, which was once almost negligible, has grown to around USD 9 billion.

Singh said the sector is projected to reach between USD 40 billion and USD 45 billion over the next eight to nine years. He attributed much of the transformation to policy reforms that opened the space sector to private participation in 2020.

The emergence of Indian space start-ups, including companies that have developed rockets and achieved unicorn status within a few years, was cited by the minister as evidence of the country’s technological and entrepreneurial potential.

India Moving Towards Global Technology Benchmarks

Singh said India’s scientific and technological journey has undergone a significant transformation and that the country is now competing against global benchmarks in several areas.

He referred to the Chandrayaan mission’s detection of evidence of water molecules on the Moon as an example of Indian scientific contributions to global knowledge. Singh argued that India has long possessed scientific talent and human resources, but required policies capable of converting those capabilities into tangible outcomes.

Private Sector Participation Seen as Critical

The minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to increase private-sector participation in areas that were traditionally dominated by the public sector.

Referring to the opening of the nuclear sector to private participation, Singh said the move would create new opportunities. However, he added that industry would need to develop the capabilities required to operate effectively in emerging sectors.

He said India has limited time to prepare for the opportunities linked to its 2047 vision and that every sector would need to evolve to strengthen the country’s position in the global economy.

Technology Expands Access to Education

Singh said technology is also helping democratise access to education and opportunities, particularly for young people in smaller towns and cities.

Recalling his interaction with a student from a financially constrained family who cleared the IIT-JEE examination using digital learning resources, the minister said technology had helped make educational opportunities available to sections of society that previously faced significant barriers.

He said the changing geography of India’s start-up ecosystem also reflected this transformation, with young entrepreneurs increasingly emerging from smaller cities rather than being concentrated only in major metropolitan centres.

Government Reforms Aim to Simplify Governance

Singh highlighted government efforts to remove outdated laws and procedures as another part of the broader transformation. He said nearly 2,000 obsolete laws had been repealed.

He also referred to reforms involving family pension rights for single daughters, nomination rights for women government employees and pension provisions for families of employees who die before completing 10 years of service.

The minister also pointed to the removal of the requirement for gazetted officer attestation for a large number of documents. He described the change as an indication of greater trust in citizens and young people.

India Must Move From Technology Follower to Technology Creator

For India to achieve its 2047 ambitions, Singh said the country would need to move beyond following technological developments and build capabilities and innovations that other nations could adopt.

He called for stronger cooperation between government and industry, arguing that earlier scepticism between the public and private sectors should give way to collaboration, mutual learning and the adoption of effective practices.

Whole-of-Nation Approach Needed for 2047 Goals

Singh said achieving India’s broader developmental, technological and economic objectives would require a “whole of government plus whole of nation” approach.

He emphasised the importance of participation across sectors as India prepares for opportunities in emerging technologies and seeks to strengthen its position in the global economy.

The minister also congratulated the winners of the Digital Appliance Awards during the event.

What Happens Next

Singh’s remarks place biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space and other emerging sectors at the centre of India’s technological ambitions. The emphasis on private participation, digital access and government-industry cooperation reflects the broader approach he outlined for preparing the country for the opportunities associated with its 2047 vision.

Source: DD India.