Tech convergence to shape India's global standing, says Shekhawat at Space Day

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Sunday said that the convergence of space technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, robotics, semiconductors and high-performance computing will determine a nation's geopolitical position in the coming years. He was speaking at the 3rd National Space Day event in Ahmedabad, organised by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO and the Department of Science.

Mr. Shekhawat, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, described the current era as one of rapid technological transformation. "Just as science is ultimately integrating in the form of a pyramid, in the coming years, all these technological streams will no longer remain separate. Their convergence will determine the direction of human life, the global economy and geopolitical positioning," he said.

He added that the nation which harnesses this convergence will gain not only technological leadership but also economic leadership and the capacity to inspire the world. His remarks come amid India's growing focus on expanding its space ecosystem and integrating emerging technologies into national development.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of private participation in the space sector. He asserted that privatisation does not diminish the role of institutions like ISRO. Instead, he described it as the "democratisation of space opportunities."

Recalling the initial concerns, Mr. Shekhawat said that when the space sector was opened to private players and startups, some doubted whether non-governmental entities would reduce ISRO's importance. He clarified that private participation was always meant to multiply capacities and opportunities, not replace existing institutions.

"With private industry, startups, academia and investors all coming together in this manner, we have now moved beyond the organisation-centric model that we traditionally had in the space sector and entered an ecosystem-centric model," he stated.

The Minister also spoke about future challenges, including space debris, cybersecurity, data security and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. He warned that future geopolitical warfare may focus on disrupting technological capabilities, and India must work with determination to address these risks.

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, who was present at the event, recalled that August 23, 2023 was a historic day when Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed near the moon's south pole. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring the day as National Space Day to commemorate the achievement. Mr. Narayanan also acknowledged the efforts behind ISRO's various accomplishments.

Gujarat Science and Technology Minister Arjun Modhwadia and IN-SPACe Chairman Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka were also present at the event. The occasion underscored India's growing ambitions in space and technology, with leaders emphasising the need for collaboration between government, private enterprise and academia.

Mr. Shekhawat concluded by praising visionary scientist Vikram Sarabhai, whose contributions laid the foundation for India's space programme. He stressed that with the convergence of multiple technologies, India is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future global order.