India successfully demonstrated a 1,000-kilometre quantum communication network using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs under the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The achievement was completed in less than two years, surpassing the original eight-year target for a 2,000-km network.
National Quantum Mission and Technology Development
The National Quantum Mission, approved in April 2023 with a budget of Rs 6,003.65 crore for 2023–2031, aims to accelerate quantum technology in India. QNu Labs, a startup supported by NQM, developed the quantum key distribution (QKD) system used in the network. The deployment ranks among the longest QKD systems globally.
Technical Features and Applications
The quantum communication network uses quantum-safe encryption to secure data transmission. The technology supports deployment over challenging terrains, including underwater and underground environments. It is designed for use in defence, financial systems, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Expansion of Startup Ecosystem
Following the success, the government expanded startup support under NQM, increasing the number of supported ventures from eight to seventeen. New startups focus on quantum biosensors, photon sensing, quantum positioning systems, atomic memory, and precision electronic systems.
Related Quantum Communication Advances
In 2025, DRDO scientists demonstrated quantum entanglement-based free-space communication over more than one kilometre with a secure key rate of 240 bits per second. This experiment operated under real-world conditions, confirming the practical viability of quantum communication alongside conventional data transmission.
What to Study for UPSC Exams?
- National Quantum Mission
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
- Indigenous Technology Development
- Quantum Communication Applications
National Quantum Mission
Launched in 2023, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is India’s flagship initiative to develop quantum technologies with a budget exceeding Rs 6,000 crore. It targets advancements in quantum computing, communication, and sensing by 2031. The mission supports startups and research institutions to build indigenous quantum infrastructure and applications.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
QKD enables secure communication by using quantum mechanics to exchange encryption keys, detecting eavesdropping instantly. It relies on quantum states of photons, typically using protocols like BB84. QKD can be deployed over fiber optics or free space, ensuring theoretically unbreakable encryption.
Indigenous Technology Development
Indigenous quantum technology development involves creating hardware and software locally without foreign dependence. It includes designing quantum processors, photon detectors, and encryption systems tailored to national security needs. This approach fosters self-reliance and customized solutions for diverse environments.
Quantum Communication Applications
Quantum communication secures data in defense, banking, and critical infrastructure by preventing interception. It enables quantum networks over fiber, underwater, and free-space channels. Emerging uses include quantum internet, secure voting systems, and synchronization of distributed quantum computers.
Last Modified: April 11, 2026