The Indian Army, with support from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), established a Quantum Lab at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the Ministry of Defence announced on December 29, 2021. Chief of Army Staff General M.M. Naravane was briefed on the facility during a visit, according to the PIB release.
Key thrust areas for the lab included quantum key distribution, quantum communication, quantum computing, and post-quantum cryptography. The ministry stated that research undertaken in the field of quantum technology would help the army transition to next-generation communication and transform current cryptography to post-quantum cryptography.
A multi-stakeholder approach incorporating IITs, DRDO organizations, research institutes, corporate firms, startups, and industry players was planned. Timeline-based objectives with funding had been established, and progressive fielding of solutions was expected on a fast-track basis.