Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 at Bharat Mandapam on 27 Oct, 2026 in New Delhi. Addressing the Conclave, the Prime Minister shared his enthusiasm following a lively interaction with startup founders earlier in the day. He praised the expansive vision and bold determination of the nation’s youth. “The scale at which the youth of India are thinking and the self-confidence with which they are moving forward is encouraging,” remarked Shri Modi.
Recalling his participation in the previous edition of the Conclave, the Prime Minister contrasted past decades,when India merely played catch-up by adopting or modifying foreign innovations years later, with the new mindset of 21st-century India that aims to create original technologies, set global directions, and solve worldwide challenges. Citing how the nation developed indigenous COVID-19 vaccines to inoculate its population and supply other nations, alongside reaching Mars on its maiden attempt and landing on the uncharted lunar South Pole, he outlined a bold technological vision for the country. “India must embrace the technologies of the future, innovate boldly, and lead the world in creating them,” asserted PM Modi.
Highlighting India’s rich heritage of discovery ranging from the invention of Zero and the number system to astronomy, the Prime Minister noted that the country is advancing this scientific legacy with modern technology and renewed confidence, as demonstrated by several milestones over the past year. With the nation set to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha on October 30, he chose to begin his review of recent breakthroughs with the nuclear sector. “Therefore, let us begin with Nuclear Energy,” remarked Shri Modi.
Emphasizing that building a Viksit Bharat requires massive nuclear energy capacity while reliance on imported nuclear fuel poses a challenge to energy security, the Prime Minister pointed out that the nation is rapidly advancing its Fast Breeder Reactor technology. He highlighted that just a few months ago, the indigenous 500-Megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor successfully achieved First Criticality. “This has been a major step in the direction of strengthening our Long Term Strengths in the field of Nuclear Energy,” noted PM Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals and young innovators to turn scientific ideas into practical solutions, setting clear three-year goals for developing new technologies, prototypes, pilot initiatives and market-ready products. He emphasised that the Conclave should serve as a catalyst for innovation with measurable outcomes, helping India emerge as a global centre for technology-driven solutions.
Concluding his address by highlighting India’s status as the world’s youngest nation blessed with talent and resolve, the Prime Minister stressed the need to nurture a generation that actively leads rather than merely participates in emerging science and technology.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Government of India