India poised for tech leap with AI, quantum advances: AEC chief

India is entering a critical phase of technological transformation powered by advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, space science, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, said on Saturday. Addressing the 36th convocation of the Birla Institute of Technology in Mesra, Mohanty stressed that these technological strides would reshape India's development prospects. "India is entering an important period of technological transformation, with advances in AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, space science, clean energy and advanced manufacturing creating new possibilities," the AEC chairman said. Mohanty, who also serves as secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, emphasized that realizing India's full developmental potential requires building robust domestic technological capabilities. He called for a new generation of skilled scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs backed by sustained research investment and interdisciplinary collaboration. "A developed India will require strong indigenous capabilities and a skilled generation of scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, supported by sustained research, interdisciplinary collaboration and investment in human resources," Mohanty stated. He highlighted recent achievements in India's nuclear programme as evidence of the nation's growing technological prowess, pointing to significant milestones including the first criticality achievement of the 500 MWe Prototype reactor as markers of progress in indigenous capability development.