Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that the country’s future growth over the next two decades will be led by innovation-driven sectors, including space, oceans, biotechnology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The Minister said this while addressing a press conference in New Delhi. Dr Singh said that every major reform undertaken by the government today, across departments and ministries, is technology-enabled.

 

The Minister called the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) fund of 1 lakh crore rupees a major highlight of 2025, promoting Research and Development in the private sector. He also underscored flagship missions such as Deep Ocean Mission and Gaganyaan, stating that India is preparing simultaneously for human spaceflight and deep-sea exploration. He said that while an Indian astronaut will venture into outer space, India will also send a human-occupied submersible to depths of up to 6 thousand metres, marking a historic dual achievement next year in 2027. 

 

Meanwhile, responding to a query by an Akashvani correspondent, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, said that the Drone Shakti Mission will be launched in the coming weeks. He added that this will bring manufacturing and R&D of high-end drone components in India and establish technological sovereignty. He said that the National Plant Health Initiative, along with an initiative for Cell and Gene Therapy, will also be launched this year, amongst the flagship science and technology programs.