Says “A Viksit Bharat Will Be Built on Scientific Research”
“Speed Should Not Be Mistaken for Accuracy, Influence the Direction of Global Advancement”
New Delhi, Oct 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon India to develop indigenous capabilities and take a leading role in shaping the technologies of the future, asserting that the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, must be built on scientific research, discoveries and innovation.
Inaugurating the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, he stressed the importance of self-reliance in critical technologies and cautioned against accepting information generated by artificial intelligence (AI) without verification. “A Viksit Bharat will be built on strong foundations of scientific research, discoveries and the spirit of innovation,” Modi said, underlining that India must move beyond adopting technologies developed elsewhere and build the capacity to create new solutions and influence the direction of global technological advancement. He emphasised that the country’s ambition should be not merely to keep pace with emerging technologies but to contribute to their development and help shape how they are deployed.
Highlighting the expanding role of artificial intelligence, the Prime Minister cautioned that the speed with which AI provides answers should not be mistaken for accuracy. His emphasis on verification underscored the continuing importance of critical thinking, scientific rigour and human judgement as AI tools become increasingly integrated into research, education, industry and everyday life. The warning also reflects growing concerns worldwide over misinformation, unreliable AI-generated content and the need to ensure that technological advances are accompanied by responsible use and appropriate safeguards.
The three-day conclave, being held from October 27 to 29, has brought together scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and international experts to deliberate on emerging technologies and India’s science, technology and innovation priorities. It seeks to provide a common platform for identifying strategic research areas, strengthening scientific capabilities and exploring ways to translate discoveries into practical applications that can accelerate economic growth and address pressing societal challenges.
The discussions cover 12 thematic areas encompassing artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, climate science and ocean sciences, among other fields. These technologies are becoming increasingly important to global economic competitiveness, national security, public health, environmental sustainability and the development of advanced industrial capabilities. The deliberations are intended to encourage interdisciplinary research, facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge and identify opportunities to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative solutions.
The emphasis on technological self-reliance comes amid intensifying global competition to secure critical technologies, strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on external suppliers. Countries are investing heavily in AI, biotechnology, advanced materials and other strategic sectors to build their own research capabilities and protect their technological interests. For India, developing indigenous research and development ecosystems is closely linked to the broader ambition of creating a technology-driven economy capable of generating employment, strengthening industrial competitiveness and delivering solutions tailored to the country’s developmental needs.
A major attraction of ESTIC 2026 is a technology and innovation exhibition showcasing indigenous scientific achievements, emerging technologies and their potential applications. Around 150 stalls featuring deep-tech startups are presenting innovations across industries, highlighting the role of research-driven enterprises in tackling complex economic and social challenges. The exhibition seeks to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical application by demonstrating how advances in research can be transformed into products, services and industrial solutions.
The exhibition also features thematic videos, technology demonstrations, documentaries and informational kiosks, alongside augmented and virtual reality experiences designed to make scientific developments more accessible and engaging. These initiatives offer visitors an opportunity to explore emerging technologies while bringing researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and prospective users into closer contact with India’s expanding innovation ecosystem.
Another key feature of the conclave is the Global Connect Networking Event, which is expected to bring together more than 300 invited participants from academic institutions, research organisations and industry in India and abroad. The initiative is intended to strengthen international research partnerships, promote collaboration between universities and businesses, and explore ways to move scientific discoveries from laboratories into the marketplace. The networking platform is expected to enable researchers, entrepreneurs and industry representatives to identify common priorities, exchange expertise and develop collaborative responses to technological challenges.
Stronger engagement between academic institutions and industry is particularly important for converting scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable innovations, expanding access to new technologies and creating opportunities for technology-based enterprises. Scientific discoveries, however, do not automatically translate into products or solutions that can be deployed on a large scale. Commercialisation often requires sustained investment, advanced research infrastructure, skilled personnel, industry partnerships and a supportive policy environment.
By bringing together stakeholders from across the research and innovation chain, ESTIC 2026 seeks to strengthen connections between scientific institutions, government agencies, startups and established businesses, helping accelerate the journey from fundamental research to practical applications. The conclave comes as India seeks to expand its research capabilities and increase the contribution of science and technology to national development. Advances in AI, biotechnology and advanced materials are transforming industrial processes, healthcare, energy systems and environmental management. Building domestic expertise in these areas is essential not only to improving economic competitiveness but also to ensuring that India can respond to technological disruptions, safeguard its strategic interests and participate more actively in shaping international technological standards.
Modi’s call for India to lead the development of future technologies places scientific research and innovation at the heart of the country’s development agenda. His emphasis on self-reliance highlights the need to build indigenous capabilities in critical sectors, while his caution against blindly trusting AI-generated answers reinforces the importance of scientific scrutiny and responsible technological adoption.
Together, these priorities underline the challenge facing India’s scientific community: to generate new knowledge, convert discoveries into useful applications and ensure that technological progress contributes to inclusive and sustainable development. Through its deliberations, exhibition and international networking initiatives, ESTIC 2026 seeks to bring scientific research, industrial development and practical problem-solving closer together as India pursues its ambition of becoming a developed nation.
