Critical Technologies: India is now identifying critical technologies in which the country needs to become fully self-sufficient. Government think tank Niti Aayog is finalizing a special list of such ‘critical technologies’ across various sectors. This final list is being discussed at the highest level of the government. The list is expected to be announced by next month.

According to an ET report, these mainly include technologies such as 6G architecture, 6G hardware, defense equipment, genomic sequencing and electric vehicle powertrains. The government’s intention is clear that the capacity to produce this technology should be developed in the country itself.

If in future, for some reason, the foreign supply of this technology suddenly stops or its access is cut off, India should not suffer any loss. For this, investment will be encouraged on a priority basis. Besides, the research will prepare a complete roadmap for increasing domestic availability.

Government companies will provide guarantees for purchases

Many major countries in the world already have their own lists of critical technologies. America, European Union (EU), Canada, China, Australia and Britain have made separate funding arrangements for this. These countries have developed special strategies to become self-sufficient, so that they can protect themselves from any shocks in global supply.

Similarly, a robust scheme is being considered in India as well. Under this, a certain amount of purchase of these products can be guaranteed by the public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the initial years or till the demand increases in the market itself. Apart from this certain portion of research fund can also be kept aside for these areas. This will encourage companies to innovate, advance research and develop this technology.

Why was it needed despite the old plans?

Officials say that work is already underway to strengthen indigenous capacity in most of these sectors. However, coming up with this list based on solid data with support from the government will go a long way in attracting private sector investment.

Apart from innovation, over half a dozen schemes are already underway in India to promote investment in new emerging sectors (sunrise sectors). But the government feels that a well-targeted strategy is now necessary, as the pace of initiation of these schemes is still slow. Moreover, their impact is also limited to only a few sectors.

For Research Rs. 1 lakh crore fund

The government has already taken major steps to support research and development (R&D) in the private sector. For this, a ‘Research, Development and Innovation Fund’ (RDIF) of Rs 1 lakh crore has been created in association with the ‘Anusandhan National Research Foundation’ (ANRF).

Almost a year after the announcement of this fund in November 2025, the government has recently taken a major decision. Govt Rs. Approved 14 Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) under RDIF with a total commitment of Rs 7,131 crore. Along with this five focused research institutes have also been given green light. This step will play an important role in creating a strong ecosystem of new technologies in the country.