‘Jai Vigyan’ and ‘Jai Anusandhan’: New Vision by Modi
By Bineesh – Inputs & Pic from PIB
In a major boost to the R&D ecosystem in the country, Prime Minister launched the ₹1 Lakh Crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund. The scheme aims to promote a private sector–driven research and development ecosystem in the country. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Nobel Laureate Sir Andre Geim and other dignitaries were present at the event.
India is a pioneer of transformation through technology
Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today Modi said, “When science is scaled, innovation becomes inclusive, and technology drives transformation, it lays the foundation for major achievements”. Highlighting India’s journey over the past 10–11 years he said, “India is no longer merely a consumer of technology, but has become a pioneer of transformation through technology”. He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, India developed an indigenous vaccine in record time and conducted the world’s largest vaccination programme. He further added, “in recent years, India has made significant strides in several sunrise domains including green hydrogen, quantum computing, deep sea research, and critical minerals, and thus has established a promising presence in all these areas”.
India’s bio-economy expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to approx. $140 billion today
Emphasising that the policies and decisions taken in recent years to make India an innovation hub are now showing clear results, he proudly shared key statistics. India’s R&D expenditure has doubled in the last decade; the number of registered patents has increased 17 times; and India has become the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. He noted that over 6,000 deep-tech start-ups in India are currently working in areas such as clean energy and advanced materials. The Prime Minister added that India’s semiconductor sector is now taking flight. He also highlighted the growth of India’s bio-economy, which has expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to approximately $140 billion today.
“India is working to build a modern innovation ecosystem and is focusing on improving the ease of doing research”, said the Prime Minister, highlighting that the government has undertaken several reforms in financial rules and procurement policies. Additionally, reforms have been made in regulations, incentives, and supply chains to ensure that prototypes can swiftly move from lab to market.
‘Jai Vigyan’ and ‘Jai Anusandhan’
Underlining that the 21st century is a period of unprecedented transformation, Shri Modi remarked that the global order is witnessing a new shift, and the pace of change is not linear but exponential. With this perspective, India is advancing various aspects related to emerging science, technology, and innovation, maintaining a consistent focus on them. As an example, he highlighted the area of research funding and the Prime Minister recalled the familiar national vision of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ and noted that with a renewed emphasis on research, ‘Jai Vigyan’ and ‘Jai Anusandhan’ have been added to this vision. He informed that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation has been established to scale up research and innovation in Indian universities. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the Research, Development and Innovation Scheme, with an allocation of ₹1 lakh crore. He emphasized that efforts are being made to promote research and development in the private sector as well. “For the first time, capital is being made available for high-risk and high-impact projects”, stated Shri Modi.
He highlighted the successful launch of India’s heaviest communication satellite by Indian scientists and extended his heartfelt congratulations to all scientists involved in the mission, as well as to ISRO. Shri Modi emphasized that today is also a landmark day for science and technology. He noted that in the 21st century, there was a pressing need for global experts to come together and deliberate on emerging science, technology, and innovation to provide direction. This need, he said, gave birth to an idea, which evolved into the vision for this Conclave. He expressed happiness that the vision is now taking shape through this Conclave. The Prime Minister acknowledged the participation of various ministries, the private sector, start-ups, and students in this initiative. He stated that it is an honour to have a Nobel Laureate present among us today. The event was marked with presence of a large number of the scientists from India and abroad, innovators, members of the academia. The Prime Minister acknowledged the participation of various ministries, the private sector, start-ups, and students in this initiative.