The Union Budget 2026 has increased the allocation for India’s National Quantum Mission to ₹900 crore, up from ₹600 crore in Budget 2025, marking a 50 percent year-on-year increase.
The Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet of India in April 2023 with a total outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for the period from FY2023–24 to FY2030–31. The programme aims to develop intermediate-scale quantum computers ranging from 50 to 1,000 physical qubits, using superconducting and photonic technology platforms.
The National Quantum Mission is aligned with India’s broader technology and industrial policy programmes, including Digital India, Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Quantum Communication and Network Infrastructure
In addition to quantum computing hardware, the Mission includes the development of satellite-based secure quantum communication links between Indian ground stations over distances of up to 2,000 kilometres. The roadmap also covers long-distance secure quantum communication links with other countries.
The programme further targets the deployment of inter-city quantum key distribution networks spanning 2,000 kilometres and the creation of multi-node quantum networks equipped with quantum memories.
For defence and national security use cases, the government released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework on January 22, 2026. The policy establishes a dedicated framework for the application of quantum technologies in military and security domains, alongside civilian and research deployments under the National Quantum Mission.
Post-Quantum Cryptography and Global Developments
The increased allocation comes amid growing international efforts to address the impact of quantum computing on existing cryptographic systems. India is advancing post-quantum cryptography capabilities alongside other major economies, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Post-quantum cryptography is intended to protect digital systems and critical infrastructure against future quantum-enabled attacks on conventional encryption methods.
The global post-quantum cryptography market is projected to grow from USD 420 million in 2025 to USD 2.84 billion by 2030.
Research Funding and Institutional Capacity
Quantum technologies are also included within the broader ₹1 lakh crore private-sector research and development financing pool announced in Budget 2026.
In parallel, the Budget has allocated ₹28,049.32 crore to the Department of Science and Technology, supporting advanced research programmes, including those related to quantum science and engineering.
Targeted fellowships and academic research programmes will be supported through leading institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, to build national research and workforce capacity in quantum computing, communications and cryptography.
