Abstract:
In the current geopolitical scenario, quantum computing has emerged as a disruptive technology that has the potential to revolutionise the cybersecurity landscape. Governments worldwide have recently been involved in their quantum development programmes, with China taking the lead. As a rising regional power, India faces significant security vulnerability, especially when its adversaries achieve quantum superiority, in this case, China. Building on the recently established “National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications”, India must safeguard its national security interests in quantum computing through enhanced risk awareness, strategic international cooperation, and accelerated network securitisation. The emergence of quantum computing has significant implications for India’s national security and cybersecurity landscape. By taking proactive measures to address these challenges, India can position itself as a leader in quantum technology while ensuring its security and competitiveness in the 21st century.
Keywords: Quantum Computing, National Security, Cyber Technology, Applications.
The national security domain has become increasingly complex as the world enters an era of rapid technological advancements. With the rise of quantum computing, traditional defence strategies are undergoing rapid evolution. The advent of quantum computing has introduced a ground-breaking revolution in the world of technology, with the potential to drastically transform various sectors such as communication, cryptography, digital optimisation, and artificial intelligence (AI). This article explores the impact of India’s National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA) on the country’s landscape and its relevance in the broader context of the global race through quantum supremacy.
India’s Quantum Ambitions: The National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA)
In recent years, India has taken significant strides towards establishing itself as a critical player in quantum computing. The Government of India has demonstrated its commitment to developing indigenous quantum capabilities by announcing the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (NM-QTA) in the 2020-21 budget, with an allocation of Rs 8,000 crores (approximately $ 1.1 billion) over five years. This ambitious initiative fosters research, development, and innovation in quantum computing, communication, sensing, materials, and fundamental science[i].
The NM-QTA is expected to facilitate the growth of a robust ecosystem of academia, research institutions, and private stakeholders, focusing on fostering indigenous development of quantum technologies, nurturing talent, and building the necessary infrastructure to support a thriving quantum ecosystem. In addition to enhancing India’s technological prowess, the NM-QTA is also envisioned to augment the country’s national security by bolstering its strategic and defence capabilities.
The Intersection of Quantum Computing and National Security
The implications of quantum computing on national security are multifaceted and far-reaching. Some of the critical aspects include[ii]:
- Secure Communication and Encryption: The development of a quantum communication system and quantum key distribution (QKD) can revolutionise secure communication by providing a typical way of transmitting the information. QKD leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to encrypt data, thus making it virtually impossible for adversaries to intercept and decipher[iii]. By investing in quantum communication research, India can get outcomes to bolster its cyber-security and protect critical national infrastructure from cyber threats.
- Cryptography and Data Protection: Quantum computing can render current encryption standards obsolete. Developing a large-scale quantum computer could break widely used cryptographic algorithms, such as Rivest Shamir and Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), leading to worldwide catastrophic consequences for data security. To counter this threat, India’s investment in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum-resistant algorithms is vital in ensuring the protection of sensitive information and national secrets.
- Military Applications: Quantum technologies can provide significant advantages in the military domain. Quantum sensing and imaging can enhance surveillance capabilities, while quantum navigation systems can provide accurate information about one’s position independent of satellite-based systems like GPS. Furthermore, quantum computers can optimise military logistics, devise novel strategies, and analyse large datasets to provide valuable intelligence. India’s investment in these areas could significantly enhance its military capabilities and national security.
India in the Quantum Global Race
As countries worldwide race to achieve quantum supremacy, India’s progress in quantum computing is vital for its national security and strategic autonomy. The European Commission (EC), part of the executive branch of the European Union (EU), announced in 2016 that it would launch a €1 billion quantum technologies flagship programme[iv].
Across the European continent, numerous nations have embarked on the journey of architecting their bespoke quantum communication matrices. To illustrate, the pioneering inception of a quantum grid is in the progress of materialisation within the Dutch terrain, stringing together metropolises such as Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden, and The Hague. This venture serves as an avant-garde precursor towards the impending Quantum Internet epoch. Concurrently, an indigenous quantum backbone is in the blueprint stage in Italy, establishing a digital artery between Frejus and Matera. This infrastructure paves the path for delivering quantum time and frequency distributions, operating in tandem with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). In a noteworthy initiative, an amalgamated quantum/classical testing ground founded on the principles of ground-breaking networking paradigms sustained operationality at the Telefónica Spain premises situated in the heart of Madrid for an uninterrupted span exceeding three months in 2018. Furthermore, numerous similar undertakings are in various stages of execution within several other Member States, such as Germany, France, Poland, and Austria, along with Associated Countries like Switzerland[v].
China has indefatigably fortified its position as a global pacesetter in impregnable quantum satellite communications. The Chinese administration persistently channels financial resources into the progression of quantum computing, including a formidable $10 billion allocation for constructing the National Laboratory for Quantum Information Science. Furthermore, an autocratic economic framework, emblematic of its system, enables it to amalgamate resources from diverse entities such as institutions, corporations, and the overarching government structure. This facility endows China with a pronounced edge, fostering an environment conducive to collective effort towards realising a singular, ambitious objective – the attainment of quantum dominance[vi].
While China and several European countries have invested substantially in quantum technologies[vii], India’s NM-QTA is a step towards ensuring that the government stays focused on this critical technological domain.
Quantum technology can revolutionise various fields, including computing, communication, and sensing. It is rooted in the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels and, thus, solve complex problems that are currently infeasible with classical computing, such as large-scale optimisation, cryptography, and simulating quantum systems. The use of quantum technology has tremendous importance regarding national security. India demonstrated its quantum capabilities in 2020 when the Defence Research and Development Organisations (DRDO) successfully demonstrated communication between two labs of DRDO using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Technology to share encryption keys. The two DRDO labs that participated were Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and the Research Centre Imarat (RCI)[viii]. CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics) and DYSL-QT (DRDO Young Scientists Laboratories-Quantum Technologies) developed the QKD technology[ix].
With the successful transfer of the QKD technology, the Indian Army has set up a quantum computing lab and an AI resource centre in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, intending to spearhead research and development (R&D) in quantum cryptography and communication[x]. QSim, India’s quantum simulation toolkit, has been developed by IIT Roorkee, IISc Bengaluru, and C-DAC. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched it nationwide to provide an exceptional experience in quantum algorithm coding and problem-solving for researchers, students, and academics[xi].
DRDO and IIT-Delhi demonstrated quantum computing using QKD technology in Uttar Pradesh over 100 km[xii]. QNu Labs has set up a quantum lab for the Indian Army[xiii] and, at the same time, Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI), a not-for-profit company, has come up to accelerate the quantum computing ecosystem in India by working with other startups in the quantum space[xiv].
Collaboration and international partnerships will be quintessential to India’s success in this global race. Establishing strategic alliances with countries possessing advanced quantum capabilities can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and resources while fostering joint research and development initiatives. Moreover, India can benefit from engaging with international forums and consortiums focused on quantum research and policy, such as the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) and the European Quantum Flagship.
Challenges and Opportunities
India’s pursuit of quantum capabilities has its challenges. Developing and retaining a skilled workforce, nurturing indigenous innovation, and creating the necessary infrastructure are critical hurdles India must overcome to realise its quantum ambitions.
- Human Capital Development: India needs to invest in human capital to create a workforce capable of addressing the unique challenges of quantum technologies. This would require a concentrated effort to revamp the educational curriculum, establish specialised research institutions, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration between academia and industry. Skills like understanding Quantum Algorithms, Quantum Programming/Compilers, and Quantum Cyber-Security must be imparted to those working on the subject.
- Indigenous Innovation: Fostering an ecosystem that encourages indigenous innovation is essential for India to become a name in quantum technologies. This can be achieved by providing the necessary financial and policy support and creating a conducive environment for research and development.
- Infrastructure Development: Building state-of-the-art research facilities and infrastructure is crucial for India to achieve its quantum objectives. The Government of India can achieve this by working with other Indo-Pacific countries like France, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the USA.
Conclusion
India’s NM-QTA marks a significant milestone in pursuing quantum capabilities. The initiative’s potential impact on national security is substantial. By addressing the challenges associated with human development, indigenous innovation, and infrastructure, India can capitalise on the opportunities presented by the quantum revolution and assert its position as a critical player in the global quantum race.
It is crucial to monitor and assess India’s progress in quantum computing. Understanding the implications of the NM-QTA and India’s evolving quantum capabilities will help craft appropriate policy recommendations and contribute to fostering strategic alliances and collaborations in this rapidly changing technological domain.
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