The valedictory session, presented by Dr. Saraswat, highlights the strategic importance of Science and Technology (S&T) as pillars of India's national security. It traces the evolution of S&T's role in warfare and security, noting how gunpowder, navigation, and telegraphy transformed pre-20th-century warfare. The mid-20th century saw nuclear weapons and radar redefine deterrence and surveillance, while the 21st century has expanded the battlespace to include cyber, space, AI, biotechnology, and quantum technologies.
The core roles of S&T in national security are multifaceted, encompassing enhanced defense capabilities through precision weaponry, autonomous systems, and unmanned platforms. S&T is also vital for Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), particularly with satellite and space-based systems and AI-driven ISR. Cybersecurity & Information Warfare are addressed via quantum-resistant encryption and AI/ML tools for threat detection, while Biotechnology & Biosecurity involve synthetic biology and global bio-surveillance networks. Furthermore, emerging frontier technologies like quantum computing, directed energy weapons, hypersonics, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials are critical.
National security in the modern era is profoundly redefined by technological advancement, with cyber threats, the space race, AI warfare, and biotech frontiers being key factors that underscore the importance of India's scientists and innovations . Technological sovereignty is crucial, built on self-reliance to reduce dependency on foreign technology in critical sectors such as semiconductors, telecom, and energy. The rise of dual-use technologies (like AI, quantum computing, space, and cyber tech) means they have both civilian and military applications, leading to new forms of warfare. Scientific foresight is essential for proactive understanding and preparedness against non-traditional threats like cyberattacks, UAVs, and biosecurity.
The session elaborates on the multifaceted landscape of national security, which includes traditional security (military, internal, political), modern security challenges (cybersecurity, technological, space security), human-centric security (health, food, environmental), and economic stability (economic, energy security).
National security parameters influencing threat perceptions also include regional cooperation, socio-economic strength, human capital, natural resources, world power equations, external threats, internal stability, national sovereignty, techno-military superiority, industrial infrastructure, combating terrorism, and self-reliance. Key strategic technologies supporting these parameters include advanced technologies like Nanotechnology, AI and Robotics, Biotechnology, Cyber and Information Security, and various Defense Systems such as Nuclear technology, Modern Ship Building, Rockets and Missiles.
India's approach to leveraging S&T for national development and security is integrated, supported by a National S&T Ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises various government departments like the Department of Space (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Biotechnology, all collectively forming pillars of innovation and security.
India's journey towards self-reliance in national security is marked by significant achievements. In the Defence Sector, there has been a surge in exports and production, driven by the 'Make in India' initiative, with exports reaching ₹21,083 crore and production hitting ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.
The nation is exploring domestic reserves of Critical & Strategic Minerals like Lithium and Rare Earth Elements, and acquiring mines abroad via KABIL. In the Space Sector, ISRO has achieved successful low-cost missions (Chandrayaan-3, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1) and developed indigenous launch vehicles and strategic satellites for defense and surveillance, including the GSAT-7 series for military communication.
In the Nuclear Sector, India operates 25 nuclear reactors, focusing on indigenous designs for PHWRs and Fast Breeder Reactors. Progress in Digital & Communication Infrastructure includes BharatNet for rural connectivity, a 6G mission, and the indigenous 5G stack by C-DOT. For Cybersecurity & Quantum Technology, the National Quantum Mission aims to advance quantum technology, including quantum communication networks for military use and indigenous cyber defense solutions. The Electronics & Semiconductor Sector is also a focus, with the India Semiconductor Mission boosting local manufacturing and design, evidenced by semiconductor fabs under construction and progress in 3nm chip design.
Looking ahead, the "Way Forward" for building a secure India through S&T involves augmenting investment in Research and Development, strengthening indigenous capabilities, enhancing human capital, fostering Public-Private Partnerships, deepening international cooperation, building resilient infrastructure, and adopting an integrated security approach. Ultimately, India's journey towards becoming a global technology leader in defense is crucial for its national security and for asserting its role as a responsible global power.