Posted by New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government has been vocal about India’s trajectory towards becoming the world’s third-largest economic power by the end of the decade, trailing only behind the United States and China. Simultaneously, a recent editorial in the esteemed British journal Nature highlights India’s potential to emerge as a science powerhouse. The editorial underscores the government’s concerted efforts to prioritise scientific advancement, as evidenced by its policies and achievements.
Traditionally, India’s focus on basic research has been lacking, but recent years have witnessed a significant shift under the current administration’s emphasis on bolstering scientific infrastructure and achievements. Notably, India’s standing as the third-largest producer of pharmaceuticals in 2021-22, coupled with its major role in supplying affordable medicines globally, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcases its prowess in the field.
Moreover, India’s successful lunar mission, including a historic soft landing near the Moon’s South Pole, solidifies its position as a frontrunner in space exploration. The expansion of educational and research institutions, exemplified by the establishment of seven new Indian Institutes of Technology and two Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research over the last decade, further underscores India’s commitment to scientific progress.
Government initiatives: Fostering scientific research
India’s burgeoning corporate landscape, spanning construction, IT, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, not only contributes to economic growth but also plays a pivotal role in fostering scientific research through funding and infrastructure support. The establishment of the National Research Foundation worth Rs 500 billion, with substantial funding allocation to universities and laboratories, signifies the government’s proactive stance in nurturing scientific endeavours.
India’s evolving science funding landscape
According to the Nature article, there exists a notable contrast in the level of investment within the science sector between India and countries with similar economic profiles. In India, approximately 60 per cent of research funding originates from central and state governments or academic institutions, while the remaining 40 per cent comes from the private sector.
However, in economies akin to India’s, private sector contributions to this sector are often significantly higher. In 2022, for instance, private sector investment accounted for an average of 74 per cent of R&D expenditure in OECD countries and 66 per cent in the 27 EU member states. These trends suggest that India is making continuous strides not only in scientific advancements but also in economic development.