New Delhi, October 27 : Science innovation India must focus on turning laboratory research into practical solutions that improve people’s lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. He emphasised that the true success of science lies in taking innovation from laboratories to the ground, adding that India views science and technology as tools to serve humanity rather than instruments of power or conflict.
Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in the national capital, the Prime Minister said that while the requirements of various technology-driven sectors differ, they all reflect a common message that India is rapidly building its technological strength and self-reliance.
“There has been a persistent challenge in how science and technology are viewed, often seen merely as tools of power or conflict. However, India firmly believes that science and technology are instruments for serving humanity,” PM Modi noted.
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“The true success of science is realised when it moves from the lab to the land, directly improving the lives of ordinary citizens,” the Prime Minister stated.
Emphasising the societal role of innovation, PM Modi said science and technology should be judged not merely by their sophistication but by their ability to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives.
The Prime Minister noted that science and technology have often been viewed globally through the lens of power and conflict, but India believes they should be harnessed for the welfare of humanity.
“The success of a technology is not determined solely by how advanced it is. Its true strength lies in how effectively it solves major problems and how many people’s lives it transforms,” PM Modi noted.
PM Modi Highlights the Role of Research in India’s Self-Reliance
The Prime Minister’s remarks placed particular emphasis on connecting scientific research with the needs of ordinary citizens. The focus on practical applications highlights the importance of ensuring that discoveries and technological developments reach people beyond research institutions.
Science innovation India can play a significant role in addressing challenges across different sectors when research is translated into accessible and effective solutions. This approach places people and their needs at the centre of technological progress, while also supporting the country’s efforts to strengthen its domestic capabilities.
The emphasis on self-reliance also underlines the importance of developing technologies within the country. Building research capacity can help India address its specific challenges, reduce dependence on external sources for critical technologies and create solutions suited to its population.
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PM Modi Cites India’s Scientific Heritage
Highlighting India’s long scientific tradition, the Prime Minister said the country’s culture has been rooted in knowledge and discovery, citing contributions ranging from the discovery of zero and the development of the number system to advances in astronomy.
“India is moving forward by evaluating itself against this very benchmark. We all know that a country’s technology and its ability to create technology depend on its research. Research is the force that enables a country to find solutions to its problems and become self-reliant in critical technologies,” PM Modi mentioned.
The Prime Minister’s reference to India’s scientific heritage connected the country’s historical contributions with its present technological ambitions. From mathematics to astronomy, India’s history of knowledge and discovery provides a foundation for its continuing focus on research and innovation.
The broader message at ESTIC 2026 was that scientific progress must be measured not only by new discoveries but also by their practical value to society. Research, technological development and innovation can contribute to national progress when they help solve real problems and improve everyday life.
By stressing the journey from the laboratory to the ground, PM Modi called attention to the importance of making scientific achievements meaningful for ordinary citizens. His remarks also reinforced the role of research in strengthening India’s technological capabilities and advancing self-reliance in critical areas.
— IANS
