India pitches quantum computing collaboration with Russia under national mission

India has pitched for collaboration in quantum computing with Russia as part of its plans for its US$730 million National Quantum Mission (NQM) targets.

The NQM is aimed at creating a complete national quantum ecosystem, including intermediate-scale quantum computers, communication networks, and quantum materials and components, according to Indian Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar. He was speaking at the first ever BRICS Quantum Technologies forum in Moscow earlier this week.

Kumar said that the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) has established four technology hubs in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, which connect researchers and institutions as drivers of human resource development, training and international collaboration.


The senior diplomat said that the mandate of these four hubs is international cooperation, with “India looking to collaborate in advanced computing technology. New Delhi wants to take a leadership role in this field, with international collaboration including researcher mobility, startup partnerships and joint innovation efforts.”

India plans to develop its own quantum computers by 2031, as it explores technology that could dramatically boost computing power for applications such as drug discovery, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and climate modeling.

Russia unveiled its first 50-qubit quantum computer prototype developed by the Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Russian Quantum Center in December, 2024. Russia has a well-defined quantum computing roadmap, supported by nuclear major Rosatom. Russian scientists have showcased 50-qubit to 70-qubit prototype quantum computers and have established facilities such as the Russian Quantum Centre.

The first BRICS Quantum Technologies Forum brought together scientists, industry experts, and government representatives from BRICS member states to discuss prospects for cooperation in quantum technologies.

The forum concluded with the adoption of a joint statement by the participating delegations, reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation in the field of quantum technologies. “Together, we seek to ensure sustainable technological progress across the BRICS countries,” the statement read.

The Russian side emphasized that cooperation within the BRICS framework would enable participating countries to maximize the development of their quantum capabilities through collective efforts. Priority areas for collaboration include scientific and technological development, applications of quantum computing, education, and workforce development for quantum specialists.

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 the forum participants, describing quantum technologies as one of the most promising innovations of the 21st century and calling on BRICS nations to deepen cooperation in this strategic field: "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,” he said.

Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia, speaking at Forum said, "In the field of quantum technologies, BRICS countries are moving along a common path, developing academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and shared infrastructure. Russia is open to partnerships aimed at addressing large-scale challenges in the quantum domain. We believe that we will achieve our goals much faster by moving forward together rather than separately, potentially repeating one another’s mistakes." Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, emphasized the fundamental role of technology in ensuring national sovereignty.