NITI Aayog Warns of Quantum Tech Risks to Security

Why in the News?

NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub highlighted national security risks posed by quantum technology, warning that it could break encryption, disrupt financial systems, and enhance military capabilities. It urged India to adopt post-quantum cryptography and boost investments in quantum research.

About Threats Posed by Quantum Technology:

  • Countries mastering quantum capabilities will gain a strategic advantage, impacting national security and economic stability.
  • Quantum computing can break modern encryption, disrupt financial markets, and enhance military operations.
  • India must assess its vulnerabilities, adopt post-quantum cryptography, and form global partnerships for technological access.
  • Unlike classical computers, quantum systems use qubits, which can exist in multiple states, performing complex tasks at an unprecedented speed.
  • Public-key encryption used in internet security, online banking, and communication could become obsolete with quantum advancements.

NITI Aayog Warns of Quantum Tech Risks to Security

Global & Indian Investments in Quantum Technology

  • Over $40 billion has been pledged by more than 30 countries for quantum research.
  • China leads with a $15 billion commitment, followed by the US at $5 billion.
  • India plans to invest $750 million, primarily through the National Quantum Mission (NQM) launched in 2023.
  • Despite lower spending, India focuses on frugal innovation, aiming for cost-effective solutions.
  • NITI Aayog emphasizes that India’s early investment will help build a strong foundation in quantum research.

India’s National Quantum Mission & Challenges

  • The NQM, with ₹6,003 crore budget, focuses on quantum computing, communication, sensors, and materials.
  • The FY25 allocation dropped from ₹427 crore to ₹86 crore, but is set to increase to ₹600 crore in FY26.
  • India is investing in startups, producing ultra-pure materials, cryogenic systems, specialized lasers, and control electronics.
  • Export controls on quantum components such as microwave parts, lasers, and dilution refrigerators may restrict access to critical technology.

What is Quantum Computing?

  • Quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits), which leverage superposition and entanglement to exist in multiple states simultaneously.
  • Unlike classical computers that process data as 0 or 1, quantum computers perform parallel computations, significantly boosting processing power.

Recent Advancements & Breakthroughs

  • Longer Qubit Coherence – Atom Computing and ColdQuanta improved qubit stability for longer computations.
  • High-Fidelity Qubit Control – IBM and Quantinuum enhanced qubit accuracy, reducing errors.
  • Error Correction Progress – Google’s Willow chip introduced self-correcting quantum systems.
  • Topological Qubits – Microsoft’s Majorana-1 boosts stability, minimizing error correction needs.
  • Diverse Qubit Modalities – Superconducting circuits, trapped ions, and photonic qubits create a multi-approach ecosystem.

India’s Quantum Journey

  • Early Developments – Strong theoretical base but slow commercial applications.
  • National Quantum Mission (2023) – ₹6,003 crore allocated for quantum computing, cryptography, and workforce development.
  • Quantum Startups – QpiAI, BosonQ Psi, and TCS Quantum Computing Lab drive innovation.
  • Public-Private Collaboration – Strengthening ties between academia, industry, and government.
  • International Engagements – Collaborating with US, Europe, and Japan on quantum research.