NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub (NITI-FTH) released a report titled “Quantum Computing: National Security Implications & Strategic Preparedness.”
- The report emphasizes the importance of quantum computing for India’s security and economy, urging a multi-pronged approach to address national security risks from quantum advancements.
What is Quantum Computing?
- Definition: A class of technologies that use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations beyond the capabilities of classical systems.
- Key Features:
- Utilizes qubits (quantum bits), which behave unpredictably at the atomic level.
- Enables complex calculations and tasks that traditional computers cannot perform.
Key Highlights of NITI Aayog’s Report on Quantum Computing
- Global Quantum Investments:
- Over USD 40 billion pledged by 30+ countries
- China leads with a USD 15 billion investment, followed by the US and Europe.
- India’s Scenario:
- Launched the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget of ₹6,003 crore (~USD 750 million) to develop indigenous quantum capabilities.
- Implications:
- Dual-use Applications: Enhances encryption, surveillance systems, and weaponry for military and intelligence sectors.
- Economic Potential: Drives innovation, creates high-tech industries, and attracts global investments.
Challenges Highlighted by NITI Aayog
- Lower Funding Compared to Global Peers:
- ₹6,003 crore allocation limits India’s ability to compete globally in quantum infrastructure and research.
- Funding gaps hinder commercialization and slow progress toward quantum supremacy.
- Weak Domestic Supply Chain:
- Reliance on foreign suppliers for cryogenic systems, high-purity materials, and quantum circuits.
- Lack of indigenous manufacturing hampers scalability.
- Limited Startup & Industry Participation:
- Dominated by academia; limited involvement from private tech giants like Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
- Scarcity of venture capital and private sector investments slows innovation.
- Cybersecurity Risks:
- Quantum computers can break current encryption standards, threatening sensitive data security.
- Risks include exposure of government, military, financial, and personal data, leading to economic instability and cyber fraud.
- Intelligence & Espionage:
- Enhanced Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) allows decryption of encrypted communications at an unprecedented scale.
- Threats to diplomatic cables, military strategies, and classified intelligence.
Recommendations by NITI Aayog
- Enhancing National Security Policy:
- Establish a Quantum Task Force to monitor global developments and assess threats.
- Develop an Early Warning System to identify quantum threats proactively.
- Implement a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Transition Plan for data security.
- Boosting R&D:
- Increase funding to support quantum startups and indigenous hardware development.
- Encourage private sector involvement for faster commercialization.
- Strengthening Domestic Supply Chain:
- Build a robust manufacturing ecosystem for critical quantum hardware components.
- Invest in quantum chip fabrication and hardware production facilities.
- Expanding Global Partnerships:
- Forge bilateral agreements with quantum leaders like the US, EU, and Japan.
- Advocate for relaxed export controls on critical quantum components.
