Opinion | Quantum Computing And AI: How India Can Leapfrog Technology To Achieve Viksit Bharat

These twin advancements are not mere incremental upgrades; they are paradigm shifts that promise to reshape the global landscape, offering transformative potential for economies, societies, and governance.

For India, these technologies present a unique opportunity to leapfrog the innovation curve, build in-house capabilities, and accelerate its journey toward Viksit Bharat.

THE QUANTUM BREAKTHROUGH: MICROSOFT’S MAJORANA 1 CHIP

Quantum computing has long been the holy grail of technology, promising to solve problems that classical computers—bound by the binary logic of 0s and 1s—cannot fathom. The Majorana 1 chip, named after physicist Ettore Majorana and his theoretical fermions, marks a pivotal shift. Unlike traditional qubits, which are notoriously fragile and error-prone, Microsoft’s topological qubits leverage a new state of matter called topological superconductors to achieve remarkable stability. This innovation offers a clear path to fitting a million qubits on a single chip the size of a palm.

The implications are staggering. Quantum computers with this capacity could revolutionise materials science, accelerate drug discovery, and optimise energy systems to combat climate change. For the world, this means a future where intractable problems become solvable, reshaping economies and quality of life.

THE AI REVOLUTION: GROK 3 AND THE POWER OF GENERATIVE MODELS

Parallel to this quantum leap, generative AI is undergoing its own renaissance. Models like Grok 3, developed by xAI, represent a new generation of AI that is faster, more reliable, and capable of generating sophisticated outputs—from text to synthetic data—with minimal human intervention. Unlike earlier models, these AIs can process vast datasets, reason through complex scenarios, and even assist in scientific discovery.

Microsoft’s plan to pair quantum computing with generative AI—using quantum systems to generate synthetic data for AI training—could create a virtuous cycle of innovation, amplifying the capabilities of both technologies.

However, it also raises challenges: job displacement, ethical concerns over deepfakes, and the risk of widening technological divides between nations. For India, these advancements are not just a window into the future—they are a doorway to leadership.

INDIA’S OPPORTUNITY: LEAPFROGGING THE DEVELOPED WORLD

India stands uniquely positioned to harness these technologies. India’s unique and robust public digital infrastructure offers agility and scalablity. The country can easily bypass outdated technologies and directly integrate quantum computing and AI into its economic and governance systems.

With a burgeoning tech workforce, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a government committed to Viksit Bharat, India can bypass the incremental progress of Western nations and catapult itself to the forefront of the quantum AI revolution.

First, consider quantum computing. India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in 2023, aims to build a world-class quantum ecosystem by fostering research, skills, and industry partnerships. India can co-develop applications tailored to its needs—such as optimising its vast railway network, enhancing renewable energy grids, or accelerating agricultural innovation through quantum simulations of soil enzymes.

Generative AI, meanwhile, aligns perfectly with India’s strengths in software and data. With over 1.4 billion people generating massive datasets daily, India can train models like Grok 3 to address local challenges—translating educational content into 22 official languages, predicting monsoon patterns with greater accuracy, or personalising healthcare via AI-driven diagnostics.

These technologies can directly accelerate Viksit Bharat’s pillars—economic prosperity, social advancement, environmental sustainability, and effective governance.

DEVELOPING IN-HOUSE CAPABILITIES: KEY TO SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP AND ATMANIRBHARTA

To truly leapfrog technology, India must build in-house capabilities. This requires a multi-pronged strategy:

Building an Indigenous Quantum and AI Ecosystem

Quantum India Mission: India has already launched a Rs 6,000 crore National Quantum Mission to develop quantum technologies. This must be expanded to include startups, and university research labs.

AI Supercomputing Infrastructure: India must establish public-private partnerships to build large-scale AI computing centres to compete with global leaders like the US and China.

Indigenous AI Models: India should develop its own large language models (LLMs) and AI chips, reducing dependency on foreign technology and enhancing digital sovereignty.

Infrastructure Investment

India must scale its quantum and AI hardware capabilities. Expanding high-performance computing (HPC) facilities will support generative AI development, leveraging India’s existing cloud infrastructure.

Talent Development

The government’s Skill India initiative must pivot toward quantum and AI literacy. Collaborations with universities like IIT Madras (Center for Quantum Information, Communication and Computing) and train a million quantum-AI specialists by 2030.

Strategic Policy and Regulation for AI & Quantum

Quantum-Ready Cybersecurity: Given that quantum computers can break classical encryption, India must develop quantum-safe cryptographic standards to protect national infrastructure.

AI Governance & Ethics: While AI offers immense opportunities, misuse of generative AI (deepfakes, misinformation) is a risk. India must lead in ethical AI governance frameworks.

Incentivising Deep-Tech Startups & Investments

India’s startup ecosystem is already a global leader in fintech and SaaS. Now, deep-tech startups in AI and quantum computing must be prioritised. Tax breaks, direct funding, venture capital and incentives must be provided to encourage domestic entrepreneurs. Establish Quantum AI Innovation Hubs in IITs, IISc, and NITs to nurture young talent and world-class research.

Global Leadership

Amid the threat of US tariffs and China’s tech ambitions, India can position itself as a neutral tech superpower.

By leading Indo-Pacific quantum alliances (e.g., QUAD) and exporting AI solutions for the Global South, India can diversify its economic base, mitigating risks from protectionism while amplifying its soft power.

Conclusion

If leveraged strategically, these cutting-edge technologies can serve as force multipliers, accelerating India’s development goals and positioning it as a global leader in the digital and technological age. By investing in indigenous capabilities, fostering deep-tech startups, and aligning national policies, India can leapfrog traditional technological trajectories and harness Quantum power and AI ingenuity to solve its unique challenges.

By 2047, Viksit Bharat will not just signify a developed India but also a global leader—one that redefined progress on its own terms. The future is quantum, the future is AI, and the future is India’s to seize.