Key facts
- India has proposed a quantum computing collaboration with Russia.
- This partnership is part of India's US$730 million National Quantum Mission (NQM).
- The NQM aims to create a national quantum ecosystem, including quantum computers, networks, and materials.
- India plans to develop its own quantum computers by 2031.
- Russia has made significant progress, including a 50-qubit quantum computer prototype.
- The first BRICS Quantum Technologies Forum was held in Moscow, concluding with a joint statement on cooperation.
India is seeking to establish a quantum computing collaboration with Russia, integrating this initiative into its ambitious National Quantum Mission (NQM). The NQM, with a budget of US$730 million, aims to foster a comprehensive national quantum ecosystem, encompassing the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers, communication networks, and quantum materials.
Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar announced the collaboration proposal at the inaugural BRICS Quantum Technologies Forum in Moscow. He highlighted that India's four established technology hubs, located in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, are tasked with driving international cooperation, including researcher mobility, startup partnerships, and joint innovation efforts in advanced computing.
India's strategic goal is to develop its own quantum computers by 2031, exploring the technology's potential to revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and climate modeling. Russia has also demonstrated significant advancements in quantum technology, unveiling its first 50-qubit quantum computer prototype in December 2024, developed by Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Russian Quantum Center. Russia maintains a clear quantum computing roadmap supported by its nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom.
The BRICS forum brought together scientists, industry experts, and government officials from member states to discuss cooperative prospects in quantum technologies. The event concluded with a joint statement reaffirming commitment to advancing quantum technology through collective efforts, aiming for sustainable technological progress across the BRICS nations. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized the critical importance of pooling research resources to overcome technological barriers and deploy scalable quantum solutions across key industries. Minister Valery Falkov underscored Russia's openness to partnerships for addressing large-scale quantum challenges, suggesting that joint efforts would accelerate progress and prevent duplicated efforts.