New Delhi, Feb 19: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has stated that India is no longer just a follower but is now offering guidance and leadership to other nations. Speaking in a podcast, he reflected on various aspects of his personality, including his passion for literature, cinema, and lesser-known anecdotes about renowned figures. Most importantly, he expressed pride in India’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting its global influence, pioneering innovations, and leadership across multiple sectors.
Dr. Singh emphasized India’s significant progress in space technology, biotechnology, and nuclear energy, positioning the country as a key global player. He noted that India’s space sector has undergone remarkable transformation, with ambitious missions and global partnerships. The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) exemplifies India’s growing technological expertise, paving the way for upcoming missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and Bharatiya Antariksh Station—India’s future international space station.
India has also gained recognition as a global hub for satellite launches, successfully deploying 433 foreign satellites, including 396 in the past decade alone, generating revenue of $157 million and over €290 million from 2014 to 2023. The success of Chandrayaan-3, making India the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole, has solidified ISRO’s position as a leader in lunar exploration. Even NASA and other top space agencies are eagerly awaiting India’s discoveries from this historic mission.
Beyond space, India has emerged as a pioneer in biotechnology and healthcare. The country was the first to develop a DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine and introduced the world’s first herpesvirus vaccine for cervical cancer, reinforcing its leadership in preventive healthcare. India’s bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion in 2014 to nearly $140 billion today, with projections to reach $250 billion in the near future. The biotech startup ecosystem has expanded exponentially, growing from just 50 startups in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today, making India a hub for biotech innovation. India now ranks third in the Asia-Pacific and 12th globally in bio-manufacturing, with its influence steadily increasing.
Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s nuclear energy advancements, which were once met with skepticism but are now recognized for their peaceful and sustainable approach. The country has set an ambitious goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 50%. India’s nuclear policy, originally envisioned by Homi Bhabha, is now considered a model for responsible energy development.
Adding to the nation’s growing achievements, Dr. Singh revealed that India is currently ranked fourth globally in scientific publications, and by 2030, it could surpass the United States to become the world’s top country in research output.
Focusing again on the space sector, he stated that India’s space economy is projected to expand 5 to 10 times in the next decade, further solidifying its leadership. This reflects India’s rapid economic rise, as seen in its global rankings—12th in bio-manufacturing and fourth in scientific research publications.
Concluding, Dr. Singh emphasized that India is no longer striving to catch up with other nations but is actively shaping global trends. “The world is now looking up to us. Earlier, we learned from others; today, the exchange is mutual,” he remarked, signifying India’s evolution from a follower to a global leader.
