Deep Ocean Mission and Gaganyaan Mark India’s Dual Leap into Space and Deep-Sea Exploration
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State for Earth Sciences; and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that India’s Reform Express is being pushed by science, know-how, and innovation, with know-how appearing because the central drive behind governance, administration, and financial transformation.
Addressing a press convention on the achievements of the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences for the 12 months 2025, the Minister stated that the nation’s future development over the following 20 years might be led by innovation-driven sectors corresponding to Space, oceans, biotechnology, clear vitality, and superior manufacturing.
The press convention was held in Delhi, bringing collectively the management of India’s premier science ministries to spotlight landmark initiatives and outcomes achieved throughout 2025. The briefing adopted a complete evaluate of reforms and mission-mode programmes that underline the Government of India’s sustained deal with science-led growth since 2014.
The press convention was attended by senior scientific management, together with Prof. A. Okay. Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR; and M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Highlighting the reform journey, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that each main reform undertaken by the Government at this time, throughout departments and ministries, is technology-enabled. He famous that this transformation has been doable as a result of constant prioritisation of science, know-how, and innovation in nationwide policymaking. Referring to successive Independence Day addresses of the Prime Minister since 2014, the Minister stated that every tackle has carried a powerful scientific theme, reflecting the federal government’s long-term intent and international imaginative and prescient.
The Minister underscored flagship missions corresponding to Deep Ocean Mission and Gaganyaan, stating that India is making ready concurrently for human spaceflight and deep-sea exploration. He stated that whereas an Indian astronaut will enterprise into outer house, India may even ship a human-occupied submersible to depths of as much as 6,000 metres, marking a historic twin achievement in 2027.
A significant spotlight of the 12 months, the Minister stated, is the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of ₹1 lakh crore, below which the federal government is instantly supporting non-public sector R&D, an unprecedented step globally. Complementing this, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has been established to democratise analysis funding, develop participation past elite establishments and mobilise practically 50–60% of its sources from non-government sources together with philanthropy and business.
Dr. Jitendra Singh additionally highlighted initiatives such because the National Quantum Mission, NIDHI, PRERNA / PURSE, and the VAIBHAV programme, aimed toward strengthening startups, analysis infrastructure and international scientific collaboration, together with structured engagement with the Indian scientific diaspora.
Detailing CSIR’s contributions, the Minister cited globally related improvements together with steel-slag-based sturdy roads, indigenous paracetamol manufacturing, India’s first indigenous antibiotic Nafithromycin, sustainable meals improvements corresponding to millet-based merchandise, and the HANSA-NG two-seater coach plane developed below a PPP mannequin. He described these efforts as examples of “foreign markets accepting Swadeshi innovation”. Public outreach initiatives like One Day as a Scientist have been additionally highlighted for fostering scientific mood amongst college students.
On the Earth Sciences entrance, the Minister stated India has made important advances in climate forecasting by IMD’s Nowcasting functionality, enabling correct three-hour predictions. He additionally highlighted the desalination plant in Lakshadweep as a world mannequin for sustainable freshwater era utilizing ocean sources, alongside progress in ocean vitality, marine remark programs, and local weather resilience.
Concluding, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that India has moved from being an importer to an exporter of high-end applied sciences, together with vaccines and medical gadgets, with India’s bioeconomy rising as a serious development driver. “The best is yet to come,” he stated, including that science-led reforms will speed up India’s journey in direction of changing into a prime international economic system nicely earlier than 2047.