Asia Times: India attempts to compete with China in the field of quantum technology
According to the Asian Times, out of vigilance against china, India is investing in quantum technology to gain a computing and information advantage. India has made several significant advances in a relatively short period, increasing its quantum technology capabilities.
Last month, scientists from India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi successfully demonstrated a more than 100-kilometer quantum key distribution (QKD) link between Prayagraj and Vendhyachal in Uttar Prayagraj and Vendhyachal, India.
This is achieved using existing commercial-grade fiber-optic networks. the web demonstration aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using indigenous technology to create a secure network for Indian security agencies.
Earlier, in December 2021, the Indian Army established a quantum computing laboratory and an artificial intelligence center at a military engineering college in Madhya Pradesh. The project is supported by the Secretariat of the National Security Council of India (NSCs).
In addition, the Indian telematics Development Center (c-dot) launched the quantum communication laboratory in October 2021 after launching the QKD solution. It can support more than 100 kilometers of standard optical fiber.
In August 2021, India launched the Quantum Computer Simulator (QSim) toolkit, providing the first quantum development environment for Academicians, professionals, students, and the scientific community in India. Researchers and students can use QSim to write and debug the quantum code necessary for quantum algorithms. Quantum systems are so sensitive to environmental interference that necessary controls and observations interfere with them.
In July 2021, India's Defence Advanced Technology Institute (DIAT) and the Centre for Advanced Computing Development (C-DAC) agreed to collaborate on the development of quantum computers. In March 2021, 13 research teams from the Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune, India launched the i-Hub Quantum Technology Foundation (i-Hub QTF) to further strengthen the development of quantum technology.
In addition, in January 2021, The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to establish the Quantum Computing Applications Laboratory to facilitate quantum computing-led research and development.
These projects are the result of India's investment of US $1.2 billion in the development of quantum technology as part of the national mission for quantum technology and Applications (nm-qta) launched in 2020.
The program aims to develop quantum technologies, safeguard India’s national interests, cultivate a stable team of quantum technology experts, apply quantum technologies to engineering, science, defense, industry, health, and agriculture, and harness the potential of quantum technologies to drive economic growth.
Against this backdrop, Avasant, a leading global information consultancy, and the Indian Software and Services Enterprises Industry Association (NASSCOM) recently prepared a detailed report on quantum development and ecosystems in India. The main findings are as follows:
By 2030, the potential of quantum technologies will provide $310 billion in cumulative value-added to the Indian economy.
By 2030, the manufacturing, high-tech, banking, and defense sectors will be at the forefront of quantum.
Innovation of the approximately 100 quantum technology projects launched in India, about 92 percent were funded by the government.
India plans to develop a quantum computer with about 50 qubits by 2026.
Few Indian businesses (less than 1%) are evaluating the quantum prospects of their industries and businesses.
Report download: https://avasant.com/report/the-quantum-revolution-in-india-betting-big-on-quantum-supremacy/
According to the Asian Times analysis, another reason why India is actively promoting quantum technology is China's progress. As early as 2016, China launched the world's first quantum communication satellite "Mozi", and has built a 4600-kilometer space-earth integrated quantum communication network. The quantum key distribution distance of the unreached fiber optic reached 830 kilometers, a new world record; in contrast, India only exceeded 100 kilometers this year. In 2021, China's 66-qubit Zuchong-2 will achieve "quantum computing superiority," which is at least five years ahead of India, according to the Avasant report.
India is wary of this because quantum computers can crack today's encryption techniques, which are too complex or time-consuming for conventional computers. classified military information can be easily decrypted and could pose a national security risk if encrypted more traditionally.
In addition, quantum technologies are expected to revolutionize military capabilities such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, communications, intelligence, surveillance, target capture, reconnaissance, chemical, and biological warfare simulation and detection, electronic warfare, underwater warfare, space warfare, new material design, and human-machine interfaces.
links:
https://asiatimes.com/2022/03/india-aims-to-rival-china-in-quantum-computing/
