Quantum computing and quantum information science represent one of the most profound revolutions in our understanding of nature. Over the past three decades, my work from the no-deleting theorem, no-hiding theorem, no-masking theorem, remote state preparation, the quantum speed limits, and quantum acceleration limit has consistently revealed one central truth: information is a physical entity, and quantum information is richer than anything classical physics can offer.
“Information is a physical entity, and quantum information is richer than anything classical physics can offer.“
The no-deleting, no-hiding, and no-masking theorems form the foundational pillars of quantum information theory by revealing how quantum information behaves in ways fundamentally different from classical data. The no-deleting theorem shows that quantum information, once created, cannot be perfectly erased; the no-hiding theorem proves that when information appears to “vanish,” it must move to another physical system; and the no-masking theorem establishes that quantum information cannot be concealed solely within correlations. Together, these results highlight the intrinsic indestructibility and delocalized nature of quantum information properties essential for secure quantum communication and robust quantum memory. Concepts like remote state preparation further demonstrate how quantum entanglement allows a quantum state to be prepared at a distant location using only classical communication and shared entanglement, an operational tool for distributed quantum networks. Meanwhile, quantum speed limits (QSL) and the recently discovered quantum acceleration limit (QAL) quantify how fast and how sharply quantum states can evolve, placing ultimate physical bounds on computation, control, and information processing. In quantum computing, these principles guide the design of high-speed logic gates, fault-tolerant architectures, secure communication protocols, and optimal algorithms by clarifying what is fundamentally possible and impossible in the quantum world.
India stands at the threshold of becoming a global leader in quantum technologies. Our biggest opportunity lies in harnessing our strengths strong theoretical foundations, a vast scientific talent pool, and a rapidly growing technological ecosystem to develop indigenous quantum computers, quantum communication networks, and high-precision quantum sensors. India can leapfrog traditional technological pathways by building on deep quantum principles such as entanglement, coherence, and quantum resource theories. If we act strategically, India can become not just a user of quantum technologies, but a creator of fundamental discoveries, shaping global scientific directions.
Over the next ten years, India must invest in three pillars: (1) Quantum infrastructure: Build national quantum labs with superconducting, photonic, trapped-ion, and spin-based platforms. A Quantum Technology Institute with international standards would accelerate innovation. (2) Human capital: Establish dedicated quantum research institutes, doctoral programs, fellowships that attract and retain world-class talent. (3) Translation and industry: Create strong academia industry partnerships for quantum computing hardware, quantum-safe communication, satellite quantum links, quantum-enhanced healthcare diagnostics, and defence applications.
To young researchers, I offer this advice: cultivate depth of thought, not just technical skill. The greatest breakthroughs in quantum information from no-cloning to quantum teleportation came from questioning fundamental assumptions. Develop strong foundations in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Choose problems that challenge your intuition. Be patient, persistent, and intellectually fearless. Above all, remember that quantum mechanics still holds mysteries; many of my own works, including no-go theorems, quantum information protocols, uncertainty tradeoffs, and quantum correlations, emerged from exploring these subtle gaps. At the same time, the younger generation should also be motivated to pursue the experimental side of quantum technology. That is where you will see new ideas get translated to real world applications.
India’s quantum future will be shaped by the curiosity and creativity of the next generation. The field is vast, beautiful, and filled with possibilities and now is the best time to contribute.
