India’s Quantum Leap: National Quantum Mission and the Future of Secure Communications
Why in News?
India is preparing to launch a quantum satellite within 2-3 years to enable secure quantum communications, as announced by the chairman of the National Quantum Mission’s Governing Board. This marks a significant step in advancing the country’s quantum technology capabilities.
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Overview
The National Quantum Mission, initiated by the Department of Science & Technology, focuses on leveraging quantum physics to develop next-generation communication and sensing technologies. While classical physics has powered advancements like telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and weather forecasting, its limitations are becoming evident. Quantum physics offers the potential for revolutionary devices with capabilities surpassing traditional systems.
Budget
Approved in April 2023 by the Union Cabinet, the mission is allocated a budget of ₹6,000 crore and is set to run from 2023 to 2031. A notable objective is the launch of a quantum satellite within 2-3 years to pioneer quantum communication.
Quantum Satellite
What Is a Quantum Satellite?
A quantum satellite utilizes quantum physics to secure communication signals, making them resistant to interception. As quantum computing advances, current encryption methods face potential vulnerabilities. However, quantum technologies also provide advanced security measures, with quantum satellites playing a key role in ensuring next-generation protection.
Securing Messages
- Encryption
- Modern tools like WhatsApp use encryption to convert messages into secret codes, ensuring only the intended recipient with the correct key can decode them.
- Intercepted messages remain unreadable without the decryption key.
- Cryptographic Security
- Encryption keys are secured using complex mathematical problems.
- While sender and receiver devices have solutions, an unauthorized user would require immense computational resources to break the code.
How Quantum Physics Enhances Security
Quantum Cryptography and QKD
- Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): This ensures secure message transmission. If a breach occurs during key exchange, the system detects it and halts communication.
- Quantum Measurement: Any measurement of a quantum system alters its state, alerting users to potential interception.
- Quantum Entanglement: Changes in one entangled photon immediately affect the other, helping detect eavesdropping attempts.
Progress in QKD Development
- Global Achievements:
- China operates the largest QKD network, supported by three satellites and multiple ground stations.
- Since 1992, researchers have extended QKD transmission distances to several hundred kilometers using fiber optics and free-space communication.
- India’s Contributions:
- A 2024 study by the Raman Research Institute identified Hanle, Ladakh, as an ideal location for satellite-based QKD experiments due to minimal signal loss.
- India’s planned quantum satellite will operate with a beam distance of 500 km and specific wavelengths for uplink, downlink, and main transmissions.
Challenges of Quantum Key Distribution
- Criticism by the NSA:
- Authentication Gaps: QKD lacks mechanisms to verify the source of communication.
- Hardware Limitations: Dependence on specialized hardware restricts upgrades and increases costs.
- Insider Threats: Infrastructure vulnerabilities pose significant risks.
- DoS Attacks: Eavesdroppers can disrupt transmissions without detection.
- Quantum Physics Constraints:
- No-Cloning Theorem: Quantum information cannot be amplified, limiting long-distance communication.
Post-Quantum Cryptography as an Alternative
Post-quantum cryptography utilizes advanced classical encryption techniques designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum systems. It offers a practical and scalable solution compared to QKD in certain scenarios.
What is the National Quantum Mission (NQM)?
The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is an initiative launched by the Department of Science & Technology in India. It aims to leverage quantum physics to develop next-generation communication and sensing technologies.
When was the National Quantum Mission approved, and what is its budget?
The NQM was approved by the Union Cabinet in April 2023 with a budget of ₹6,000 crore. It is set to run from 2023 to 2031.
What is the main focus of the National Quantum Mission?
A key focus of the NQM is the development and launch of a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years to enable secure quantum communications.
What is a quantum satellite?
A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that uses quantum physics principles to secure signals against interception and eavesdropping.
Why is quantum technology important for communication security?
Quantum technology is critical because it offers advanced security measures that can resist threats posed by quantum computers, which could compromise existing encryption methods.
How does quantum physics secure messages?
Quantum cryptography, particularly through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), secures messages by ensuring that any attempt to intercept the encryption key is immediately detected.
What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?
QKD is a method of securely sharing encryption keys using quantum properties. It detects eavesdropping by observing changes in the state of photons used for transmission.
What is the role of quantum entanglement in secure communication?
Quantum entanglement links two particles so that changes in one instantly affect the other. This property helps detect unauthorized access to communication channels.
What progress has India made in developing quantum communication systems?
India plans to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years. Research at the Raman Research Institute has also identified Hanle, Ladakh, as an ideal site for satellite-based QKD experiments.
How does India’s planned quantum satellite compare to China’s advancements?
India’s planned quantum satellite will operate at specific wavelengths with a projected beam distance of 500 km. China currently operates the world’s largest QKD network with multiple satellites and ground stations.
What are the limitations of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?
QKD faces challenges such as high infrastructure costs, hardware dependence, vulnerability to insider threats, and limited real-world scalability. It also cannot authenticate the source of transmissions.
What is the no-cloning theorem, and how does it affect QKD?
The no-cloning theorem states that quantum information cannot be copied or amplified like classical information, limiting its transmission over large distances.
Why does the NSA recommend post-quantum cryptography over QKD?
The NSA supports post-quantum cryptography because it is less hardware-dependent, more cost-effective, and resistant to both quantum and classical threats.
What is post-quantum cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography involves advanced classical encryption techniques designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers.
How does quantum technology complement traditional encryption methods?
While traditional encryption secures data through complex mathematical problems, quantum technology enhances security by detecting eavesdropping and ensuring unconditional protection against interception.
What are the practical applications of the National Quantum Mission?
The NQM aims to revolutionize communication, enhance sensing systems, and address cybersecurity challenges, enabling breakthroughs in fields like telecommunications and national defense.
What challenges does India face in implementing quantum technologies?
India faces challenges such as the high costs of infrastructure, standardization of QKD protocols, and competition with global advancements in quantum research.
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