Prime Minister Modi shares his vision for India’s National Quantum Mission with Anton Zeilinger
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Nobel Laureate Anton Zeilinger, a distinguished Austrian physicist known for his groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics, during his visit to Vienna on Wednesday (July 10, 2024).

Zeilinger was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2022 for his pioneering experiments with entangled photons, which established the violation of Bell inequalities and paved the way for the field of quantum information science.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi shared his vision for India’s National Quantum Mission with Zeilinger. The mission aims to advance the development of quantum technologies and enhance India's capabilities in this cutting-edge field. The discussion underscored the importance of quantum computing and quantum technology in contemporary society, emphasizing the transformative potential these technologies hold for the future.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's commitment to fostering innovation and research in quantum technologies, aligning with the country's broader objectives of economic growth and technological advancement. He emphasized the government's efforts to create a conducive environment for scientific research and development, encouraging collaboration between Indian and international scientists.

Anton Zeilinger, born on May 20, 1945, in Ried im Innkreis, Austria, is affiliated with the University of Vienna and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. His Nobel-winning work has significantly advanced our understanding of quantum mechanics and has laid the foundation for numerous technological innovations.

Zeilinger expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Modi’s vision and the depth of their discussion, which spanned topics from spirituality to quantum technology. "A very pleasant discussion. We discussed spiritual things, the possibilities of quantum information, quantum technology, and the basic fundamental ideas of quantum physics. I experienced him as a very spiritual person, and I think this is a feature that more leaders in the world should have today," said Zeilinger.

Zeilinger emphasized the importance of supporting young, gifted individuals to pursue their own ideas, as they are the source of truly innovative concepts. He remarked, "The point is that you support the gifted young people to follow their own ideas and from them the really new ideas come. That is something which can happen in every country, certainly in India as India has a very gigantic spiritual and technological past."

The exchange between Prime Minister Modi and Zeilinger highlighted the potential for collaboration between Indian and Austrian scientists in advancing quantum research. This partnership could lead to significant breakthroughs and practical applications of quantum technologies.

During his visit to Austria, Prime Minister Modi also interacted with Austrian influencers and scholars in Vienna. He met with four leading Austrian Indologists and scholars of Indian history: Dr. Birgit Kellner, a scholar of Buddhist philosophy and linguistics; Prof. Martin Gaenszle, a scholar of Modern South Asia; Dr. Borayin Larios, a professor of South Asian studies at the University of Vienna; and Dr. Karin Preisendanz, head of the Indology Department at the University of Vienna.

The discussions with these scholars covered various aspects of Indian history, philosophy, art, and culture. Prime Minister Modi inquired about the roots of Indology in Austria and its impact on intellectual curiosity and scholarship. The scholars shared their academic and research engagements with India, reflecting the deep and historic ties between the two countries.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also highlighted the growing cooperation between Indian and Austrian technical universities. He announced on his official social media handle that agreements between Indian and Austrian technical universities are nearing completion. "In the areas of science and research, we are very close to concluding an important cooperation agreement between Austrian and Indian technical universities," he stated.

Chancellor Nehammer added that these agreements, along with other partnerships, would significantly enhance collaboration in fields such as pharmaceuticals, education, technology, digital infrastructure, and space technology. "Austria brings considerable expertise, know-how, and innovative power in these areas to the table," he noted.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Austria is particularly noteworthy as it is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi’s visit in 1983. This visit also coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Austria, underscoring the enduring and evolving partnership between the two nations.

Following his visit to Russia and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Modi’s engagement in Austria highlights India’s proactive approach to strengthening international collaborations in science, technology, and economic development. As India and Austria continue to forge stronger ties, the prospects for mutual growth and innovation look promising.