In the history of India, May 11, 1998, emerged as a symbol of scientific self-confidence and national pride. Under ‘Operation Shakti’ in Pokhran, Rajasthan, India conducted five successful nuclear tests, sending a message to the world that it was now a nuclear-armed and technologically capable nation. In commemoration of this historic achievement, we celebrate “National Technology Day” every year on May 11.
This observance was initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to honor the contributions of the nation’s scientists, engineers, and technicians. Today, 27 years later- India’s technological journey has evolved from the sands of Pokhran to reach the Moon, Artificial Intelligence, 5G networks and digital payments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has aptly stated, “This day serves as an opportunity to express pride and gratitude toward our scientists, and reminds us of the historic strides taken toward a self-reliant India.”
Chandrayaan-3: India Hoists Its Flag at the Moon’s South Pole
The greatest testament to India’s technological prowess was witnessed on August 23, 2023, when the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on the Moon’s South Pole. In doing so, India became the first nation in the world to achieve this feat. Costing approximately Rs615–700 crore, this mission proved that Indian scientists can achieve world-class milestones even with limited resources. With this success, India became the fourth country, following the United States, Russia and China- to execute a successful lunar landing. Chandrayaan-3 has bestowed upon India a new identity as a global space power.
Digital India and 5G
Over the past decade, India has made unprecedented strides in the digital sector. According to the Economic Survey 2024–25, the country had approximately 250 million (25 crore) internet connections in 2014; today, that figure has surged to over 1 billion (100 crore). 5G networks have reached almost every district in the country and over 500,000 5G base stations are currently operational. India has now joined the ranks of the world’s largest data-consuming nations.
This is precisely why the most profound impact of India’s digital revolution is visible in its villages and small towns. Farmers are checking weather forecasts and crop prices on their mobile phones; students are pursuing their studies online; and small-scale traders are conducting business through digital channels. Technology is no longer confined solely to urban centers; it has become an integral part of the everyday life of the common citizen.
UPI and Digital Payments: Empowering Every Hand with Digital Strength
The most compelling testament to India’s digital success is the Unified Payments Interface or UPI. Today, millions of digital transactions are being processed across the country every single day. From small shopkeepers in villages to large-scale merchants, everyone is utilizing UPI to make payments. As Prime Minister Modi once remarked, “Thanks to its sheer ease of use, UPI has become an indispensable part of our daily lives.” This Indian model of digital payments has now emerged as a benchmark for numerous other nations.
UPI has not only simplified financial transactions but has also injected fresh momentum into the digital economy. It is widely regarded as a monumental success story in terms of India’s technological self-reliance and innovation capabilities. Concurrently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a formidable new technological force within India. Estimates suggest that India’s AI industry is poised to reach a valuation of approximately $28.8 billion in the near future. The adoption of AI-driven technologies is witnessing rapid growth across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education and public administration.
Furthermore, India has established itself as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. While the country was home to merely around 100 startups in 2014, that figure has skyrocketed to over 200,000 as of 2026. Prime Minister Modi has aptly described this phenomenon as “a new revolution in innovation within India.” In sectors such as Fintech, Health tech and Agri tech, young Indians are developing groundbreaking solutions that are gaining global recognition. This surge in innovation has also paved the way for the creation of numerous new employment opportunities.
India on the Rise: Advancing in Innovation and Research
Today, India continues its upward trajectory in the Global Innovation Index. In terms of patent applications, India has successfully secured a place among the world’s leading nations. While previously only about 4,000 patents were filed annually, that figure has now surged to over 30,000. Although India’s expenditure on Research and Development (R&D) currently stands at a mere 0.64 percent of its GDP, a figure lower than that of developed nations, the government continues to steadily increase its investment in this sector. It is precisely this investment that will empower India in the future across fields such as quantum technology, semiconductors and deep-tech.
Thus, in numerous sectors, contemporary India is seen making rapid strides forward. For the citizens of India, National Technology Day serves as a symbol, one representing India’s self-reliance, innovation, and national resolve. While the Pokhran tests of 1998 demonstrated India’s might to the world, the India of today is advancing toward global leadership through its achievements in space exploration, digital technology, AI and the startup ecosystem.
This journey is the culmination of the tireless efforts of millions of scientists, engineers and young people who are working ceaselessly to transform the nation into a developed India. The annual observance of May 11th serves as a reminder that science and technology not only drive progress in human lives but also establish a nation as a formidable power within the global community and among other nations. In this context, it can be said that in the modern era, a nation’s power is directly proportional to the sophistication of the technology it possesses. Against this backdrop, National Technology Day today narrates the saga of contemporary India’s development.
