PM Modi at 75: Innovation, Heritage, and the Road to Viksit Bharat 2047

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps into his 75th year on Wednesday, his vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 stands at the intersection of India’s cultural heritage and its embrace of disruptive innovation. From championing high-tech research to building self-reliance in defence and green energy, Modi’s leadership has sought to transform India from a consumer of technology into a global innovation hub.

Research, Development & Innovation: A New Growth Model

The approval of the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in July 2025 signals a decisive shift in India’s approach to technology. Unlike past programs, the RDI focuses on late-stage, application-ready projects with transformative potential—advanced manufacturing, green hydrogen, and frontier tech like semiconductors and robotics. A dedicated Deep-Tech Fund of Funds underscores India’s ambition to secure leadership in critical technologies.

Vigyan Dhara & ANRF: Strengthening the Knowledge Base

To streamline support for science, the government unified three umbrella schemes under Vigyan Dhara, with an outlay of ₹10,579 crore, focusing on talent development, translational research, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)—with ₹50,000 crore earmarked through 2028—aims to democratize research funding across universities, especially those with weaker infrastructure. Its PAIR program has already connected hubs and spoke institutions nationwide.

AI, Quantum & Supercomputing: Powering the Future

Under Modi, India is democratizing access to AI compute power, with 34,333 subsidized GPUs available at just $1/hour—well below global rates. Data and AI labs are also being established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The National Quantum Mission sets bold goals: building quantum computers with up to 1,000 qubits and developing secure communication systems within eight years. Meanwhile, the National Supercomputing Mission has deployed 34 indigenous supercomputers with a combined capacity of 35 petaflops, supporting over one crore research jobs.

Green Hydrogen & Defence: Self-Reliance as Strategy

The National Green Hydrogen Mission positions India as a future hub for clean energy exports, supported by a public–private R&D fund. In defence, the budget has nearly tripled since 2014, with a strong focus on indigenous capabilities. The rollout of the S-400 missile system, Akash batteries, and ATAGS artillery, alongside the rise of Indian start-ups in drone warfare and precision ISR during Operation Sindoor, reflects a robust ecosystem of homegrown innovation.

Creativity & Disruption Beyond Defence

Innovation has extended into culture and entertainment. The launch of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai has placed India on the global map for gaming, animation, and post-production. With over 442 million gamers, India is now the world’s second-largest gaming market, projected to generate $4.5 billion in revenue by 2025.

India’s university ecosystem is also rapidly climbing global ranks, with 54 institutions featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026, up from just 11 in 2014. Meanwhile, research parks and intellectual property filings have more than doubled, reflecting a flourishing innovation culture.

Building Viksit Bharat: Ready and Disruptive

From deploying PARAM Rudra supercomputers to building the world’s longest hyperloop test track at IIT Madras, India’s scientific advances highlight Modi’s call for a “ready and disruptive” generation. Breakthroughs such as indigenous MRI machines, nanotechnology for light control, and brain-on-a-chip devices show the country’s growing self-reliance in cutting-edge sectors.

As Modi turns 75, his vision is clear: India must combine cultural rootedness with technological disruption to secure its place as a leader in the fourth industrial revolution. His dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 rests not just on innovation, but on the empowerment of Indian talent to imagine, invent, and lead.