PM Modi Opens ESTIC 2026, Calls for Tech Self-Reliance
At Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister urges India to lead emerging technologies, strengthen research and turn scientific breakthroughs into solutions for society.
- PM Modi inaugurates ESTIC 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- The Prime Minister calls for self-reliance in critical technologies.
- He highlights research funding, patent growth and advances in nuclear energy.
- Modi urges responsible AI use and measurable innovation targets.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th Oct: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Tuesday, calling on India’s scientists, startups and industries to lead the development of future technologies and strengthen the country’s self-reliance in critical sectors.
Addressing researchers, innovators and industry leaders, Modi said a Viksit Bharat would rest on strong foundations of scientific research, discoveries and innovation. He urged participants to move beyond adopting technologies developed elsewhere and focus on creating original solutions that can address challenges in India and across the world.
Nuclear Energy, Space and Semiconductors in Focus
Highlighting India’s progress in strategic sectors, Modi referred to the indigenous 500-megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor achieving first criticality, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the country’s long-term nuclear energy capabilities.
He also highlighted developments in the space sector, including satellite docking capabilities and the growing contribution of Indian startups. The Prime Minister pointed to progress in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and battery storage, saying these advances reflected India’s expanding technological capabilities.
Modi stressed that India must develop secure, large-scale technological solutions that benefit people and contribute to solving global challenges.
Research Funding and Patent Growth
Emphasising the importance of research and development, the Prime Minister referred to the government’s ₹1 lakh crore commitment announced for research, development and innovation. He said ₹12,000 crore committed by the government for market-ready laboratory technologies had been matched by an equal contribution from private investors over the past year.
Modi also highlighted the rise in annual patent filings, from fewer than 50,000 a decade ago to nearly 1.5 lakh in the previous year. He said the growth reflected a stronger culture of research and innovation in the country.
PM Warns Against Blind Reliance on AI
The Prime Minister said artificial intelligence could improve productivity and help researchers complete routine tasks more quickly, but warned against accepting its answers without verification.
He emphasised that scientists must independently test the accuracy of AI-generated information and use technology to support, rather than limit, critical thinking. He also called for greater attention to safety and security in AI, synthetic biology, autonomous systems and other emerging fields.
Modi urged researchers, startups, industry leaders and students to set clear three-year targets for developing technologies, prototypes, pilot projects or products. He said ESTIC should become a platform for measurable outcomes and help position India as a global hub for technological solutions.
