.jpeg)
In this age of the digital world, with systems controlling everything from the banks to the defence; with the increasing might of quantum computing posing the biggest threat to traditional encryption. The traditional cryptographic practices based on the complexity of mathematical puzzles could soon become outdated with quantum computers breaking the codes in seconds. This impending danger has instigated world efforts to develop quantum-safe communication networks, with India leading the charge towards it.
Quantum communication might seem like a science fiction concept, but its implications in the real world are staggering. As India heads towards creating a quantum internet, your own data, banking details to health records can be encrypted with unbreakable codes.
With ISRO and DRDO leading the charge, India is not only a part of the quantum revolution—India is driving it.
India boosts quantum communication with ISRO and DRDO innovations
India’s response to the quantum challenge is spearheaded by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) two agencies driving innovation in secure communication.
As per ISRO reports, they also successfully conducted free-space quantum communication for 300 meters, encrypting a live video conference using quantum keys. It is a stepping stone in laying the foundations for future satellite-based quantum communication, capable of securing information across long distances.
According to the latest reports of PIB, DRDO, in collaboration with IIT-Delhi, took a step forward in showing secure quantum communication of 1 kilometre using entangled photons over free-space optical links. The system recorded a secure rate of key exchange at 240 bits per second and a negligible error rate, enabling real-time quantum encryption.
DRDO has also experimented with quantum key distribution over 100 km of commercial optical fibre, establishing that India's infrastructure is prepared to implement scalable quantum cybersecurity solutions.
India's three-level quantum strategy
India's quantum communication strategy combines fibre optics, free-space, and satellites to ensure versatility and scalability:
- Fibre-Based QKD: Ideal for secure city-to-city or facility-to-facility communication using existing underground infrastructure.
- Free-Space QKD: Provides mobile, quick-deployment communication where fibre is not possible—excellent for military and emergency use.
- Satellite-Based QKD: The most far-reaching objective—secure communication across continents through quantum satellites. China has already proven this at 1,200 km, and India's ISRO is in the process of creating similar capabilities.
How Quantum tech could change data security
Encryption methods used today depend on the difficulty of solving mathematical brain teasers, including factoring big numbers. These are years to solve for classical computers—but in a few seconds for quantum computers. With developing quantum technology, sensitive information across the globe such as emails, financial deals, and military communications could be exposed to interception and decryption.
The foundation of quantum-safe communication is based on an strange but verified effect known as quantum entanglement. If two particles are entangled, the state of one will immediately influence the other regardless of distance. This concept is the foundation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)—a technique that employs entangled photons to exchange encryption keys.
What's revolutionary about QKD is that any interception of the key inherently changes its quantum state, so users get alerted and the key becomes unusable. This means a communication remains secure, not by mathematics, but by the laws of physics.
Securing the future: Quantum tech for defence and daily use
Quantum-secure communication is not just a scientific advance—it's also a strategic imperative. In an era of sophisticated cyber war, India's dual-use approach (civilian and defence) enables it to defend confidential communications against hackers and foreign intrusions.
As reported, by bringing together ISRO's satellite technology with DRDO's cybersecurity capabilities, India is creating the foundation for a national quantum communications network that would protect everything from border communications to e-commerce.
India's position in the quantum race globally
As reported, China is currently ahead in satellite quantum communication, but India is catching up rapidly. With a robust academic and industrial foundation backed by DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence—India is producing the next crop of quantum scientists and engineers. Such an ecosystem ensures that the nation stays ahead in an area that has the potential to redefine cybersecurity in the next century.
