The Jitin Prasada Naval Commanders session at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, on Wednesday brought chips, artificial intelligence, quantum technology and cybersecurity before the Indian Navy's senior leadership. Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, took part in the Naval Commanders' Conference and addressed the assembled commanders.

IT and cybersecurity talks with the Navy chief

The same Jitin Prasada Naval Commanders visit included detailed deliberations with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and other top naval officers, on strengthening modern information technology and cybersecurity in the defence sector.


Energy security and chip sovereignty

Addressing the commanders, Prasada lauded the Navy's role in ensuring India's energy security. He also pointed to the government's focus on strengthening sovereignty in semiconductor and chip production, aimed at a more robust and resilient technology ecosystem.

The Minister was briefed on the Navy's ongoing efforts towards innovation, indigenisation and technology absorption.


Jitin Prasada Naval Commanders: AI, quantum and defence trade

Prasada spoke on the growing relevance of AI, quantum and other emerging technologies, both in the wider technology ecosystem and for the Defence Forces. Quantum work is already under way in the defence research system. On 24 September, DRDO signed a quantum refrigerator contract with Alwar start-up Zero mK India, the first high-value deep-tech project under its Technology Development Fund.

A tech-enabled and self-reliant defence ecosystem

He also spoke on choke points in defence trade and how they link with emerging technologies. Prasada reiterated the government's commitment to the rapid and effective absorption of these technologies, towards a tech-enabled and self-reliant defence ecosystem.

Second day of the Commanders' Conference

Wednesday was the second day of the Navy's second Commanders' Conference of the year, which runs from 29 September to 1 October at Nausena Bhawan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the commanders on Tuesday, the opening day, the Ministry of Defence said.