India’s Quantum Communication Hub Poised to Secure the Nation’s Digital Future

India is accelerating its push into next-generation secure networks through the Quantum Communication Thematic Hub, a core pillar of the National Quantum Mission (NQM). The hub is tasked with developing indigenous quantum communication infrastructure, including satellite-based links and long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD) networks that can secure critical data flows across the country and beyond its borders. By focusing on quantum-safe communication, the initiative aims to future-proof national security, financial systems, and strategic sectors against emerging cyber and post-quantum computing threats.

Anchored at IIT Madras in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the Quantum Communication hub operates within a hub–spoke–spike model that links top academic institutions, R&D labs, startups, and telecom partners. Its mandate covers satellite-based quantum links over 2,000 km, inter-city QKD networks on existing optical fibre with trusted nodes, and the development of enabling components such as quantum repeaters, single-photon sources, and detectors. This coordinated structure is expected to speed up translation of lab prototypes into field-deployable systems that can integrate with national telecom and digital infrastructure.

The hub is also positioned as a driver of ecosystem and talent development, aligned with broader national priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, and Start-up India. Through consortia-based projects, industry partnerships, and training programs, it plans to nurture a skilled quantum workforce while supporting startups and SMEs working on quantum communication technologies. As one of four thematic hubs under the National Quantum Mission, the Quantum Communication hub is expected to play a central role in positioning India as a major global player in quantum-secure communications over the next decade.

Source: “Quantum Communication Thematic hub | National Quantum Mission” (MCC of National Quantum Mission, IIT Kanpur, YouTube, 18 December 2025) and official NQM-related documents and announcements.