India is seeking a strategic partnership with Russia on quantum computing under the framework of its National Quantum Mission (NQM), according to Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar. Speaking at the inaugural BRICS Quantum Technologies forum in Moscow earlier this week, Kumar outlined India's ambition to build a full national quantum ecosystem, including intermediate-scale quantum computers, communication networks, and quantum materials and components.
National Quantum Mission and Technology Hubs
The NQM, as described by Kumar, is designed to create a self-sufficient quantum ecosystem. As part of this mission, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has established four technology hubs in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. These hubs connect researchers and institutions, driving human resource development, training, and international collaboration. Kumar stated that the mandate of these hubs is international cooperation, with "India looking to collaborate in advanced computing technology." He added that New Delhi wants to take a leadership role, including researcher mobility, startup partnerships, and joint innovation efforts.
India plans to develop its own quantum computers by 2031, exploring technology that could dramatically boost computing power for applications such as drug discovery, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and climate modeling. The timeline positions India among nations investing heavily in quantum capabilities.
BRICS Collaboration as a Framework
The forum was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation in partnership with Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin addressed participants, describing quantum technologies as one of the most promising innovations of the 21st century. He called on BRICS nations to deepen cooperation:
"Today, it is critically important to move forward together with our BRICS partners by pooling our research resources. Only through joint efforts can we rapidly overcome technological barriers, create scalable solutions, and ensure their deployment across key industries."
Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov noted that in quantum technologies, BRICS countries are "moving along a common path," developing academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and shared infrastructure. He emphasized that Russia is open to partnerships aimed at addressing large-scale challenges in the quantum domain. Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, highlighted the fundamental role of technology in ensuring national sovereignty.
Priority areas for collaboration, as outlined at the forum, include scientific and technological development, applications of quantum computing, education, and workforce development for quantum specialists. The Russian side emphasized that cooperation within the BRICS framework would enable participating countries to maximize their quantum capabilities through collective efforts.
Implications for Enterprise Technology
For CTOs and digital transformation leaders, the India–Russia quantum computing collaboration signals an acceleration in research that may eventually lead to commercially viable quantum solutions for industries such as pharmaceuticals (drug discovery), cybersecurity (post-quantum cryptography), and AI model training. However, the immediate focus remains on foundational research and talent development. The four IIT hubs serve as nodes for international partnerships, which could later spawn startup ecosystems and licensing opportunities. Enterprise technology buyers should monitor progress toward the 2031 quantum computer milestone, as it may redefine computational boundaries for supply chain optimization, logistics simulations, and trade finance algorithms.
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