India is making bold strides in quantum technology, positioning itself as a key player in the next generation of defence innovation. While drones, hypersonic missiles, and satellite surveillance dominate current military advancements, India is betting on quantum technology to revolutionise secure communication, navigation, and computing. This strategic pivot could redefine the country’s defence capabilities and its standing in the global defence technology landscape.
At the heart of this ambition is the National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched in 2023 with a ₹6,003 crore budget. The mission aims to develop quantum computers, secure communication networks, and advanced sensors. Quantum technology offers unparalleled advantages, including unhackable communication and exponentially faster computing, making it a critical asset in modern warfare.
“Quantum is unhackable, unbreakable, and it gives you extreme speed,” said Sanjay Chittore, Founder and CEO of Quantum AI, which operates its Centre of Excellence under the name Qulabs. “It’s not just about technology. It’s physics, electronics, and computing, all coming together to offer strategic superiority.”
India’s quantum ecosystem is gaining momentum, with startups like Quantum AI and QuBeats leading the charge. Quantum AI is working on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a method of communication so secure that even quantum computers cannot break it. These keys can be distributed over ground-based fibre, wirelessly, or via satellites, enabling quantum-safe communication networks.
QuBeats, another Hyderabad-based quantum sensing company, recently won the ADITI 2.0 Defence Challenge, securing ₹25 crore in government funding. The company is developing a Quantum Positioning System (QPS) for the Indian Navy that operates even when GPS is denied or jammed. “We exploit fundamental properties of atoms, like spin or magnetism, to measure magnetic fields with high sensitivity,” said co-founder Mallikarjun Karra, a PhD candidate at the Max Planck Society. “Using these measurements and advanced map-matching, we can navigate even in GPS-blind zones like deep seas or bunkers.”
Despite these advancements, India’s quantum ecosystem is still in its early stages, particularly in terms of funding and commercialisation. The NQM, approved in 2023 with a budget of ₹6,003 crore, has so far disbursed only ₹17 crore, according to an RTI response. Comparatively, China has reportedly invested approximately $14 billion in its quantum ecosystem, highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.
India’s earlier push for quantum began in the 2020 Budget, which announced an ₹8,000 crore allocation for the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA) over five years. That plan was later rebranded and scaled into the current NQM, with a revised budget of ₹6,003.65 crore spread across eight years.
For now, quantum communication’s applications remain largely limited to defence, government, and critical infrastructure, with commercial adoption yet to gain traction. However, the potential is vast. “Once the commercial market opens up, the applications will be everywhere—healthcare, fintech, logistics, space tech,” Chittore said. “But for now, we are focused on working with DRDO, NPCI, and other government institutions.”
Companies like QpiAI, selected under the NQM, are exploring applications beyond defence. They develop quantum-powered AI systems for industries like space, healthcare, and industrial automation. “Our goal is to discover the most optimal AI systems and deploy them at the speed of light,” said founder Nagendra Nagaraja. QpiAI draws most of its revenue from international clients, with projects spanning smart cities in Saudi Arabia, pharma companies in the US, and cosmetics majors in France.
India’s quantum leap is still developing, but the progress is promising. In June 2025, researchers at IIT Delhi demonstrated quantum entanglement-based secure communication over a distance of 1 km. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed it as a “landmark achievement,” marking the first real-world step towards a future quantum internet in India.
However, the ecosystem still faces challenges. “Quantum is evolving at a very drastic pace,” said Chittore. “But how many companies can productise quantum, and true leadership comes from this.”
As India continues to invest in and develop its quantum capabilities, it is poised to become a significant player in the global defence technology landscape. The integration of quantum technology into military systems could provide India with a strategic edge, enhancing its defence capabilities and securing its position in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
