India has marked a significant advancement in next-generation secure communication, with the National Quantum Mission (NQM) achieving a 1,000-kilometre quantum communication link in less than three years of its launch, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced. The development places India among a select group of nations with long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) capabilities, a technology that ensures ultra-secure data transfer by detecting any interception attempts through changes in quantum states.
Officials said the milestone has been reached well ahead of the mission’s broader goal of establishing a 2,000-km quantum communication network, highlighting the accelerated pace of indigenous research and innovation in the field. The system has been developed using homegrown technologies, with contributions from startups such as QNu Labs, and is designed for deployment across strategic sectors including defence, banking, and critical infrastructure.
According to the government, the network is adaptable to diverse terrains, including underground and underwater environments, enhancing its practical utility in real-world scenarios.
The achievement is expected to strengthen India’s cybersecurity framework and support its ambitions of becoming a global leader in quantum technologies. The National Quantum Mission, launched in 2023, aims to build a robust ecosystem spanning quantum communication, computing, sensing, and materials.