Sun Jun 22 14:05:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective and formatted as a news report:
**Headline: India Poised for Quantum Communication Leap: Satellites Key Within Half-Decade, Says IIT-Delhi Professor**
**NEW DELHI, June 22, 2025** – India is on the cusp of achieving satellite-based quantum communication capabilities within the next five years, according to Professor Bhaskar Kanseri of IIT-Delhi, a leading expert in the field. This development would represent a significant advancement in secure communication technology, positioning India as a key player in the global quantum race.
Professor Kanseri, whose team recently achieved a record-breaking 1-kilometer free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) in India, stated in an interview with *The Hindu* that realizing this goal requires a concerted national effort.
Quantum communication relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, using photons to generate highly secure “quantum keys.” These keys, distributed via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), are virtually unhackable because any attempt to intercept them becomes immediately detectable, thus ensuring secure communications.
While QKD can be achieved through fiber optic cables, the cost becomes prohibitive over long distances. Satellites offer a promising solution by acting as intermediaries, enabling secure communication between geographically dispersed locations.
Professor Kanseri acknowledged that atmospheric disturbances pose challenges to free-space quantum communication, potentially increasing error rates. China has already demonstrated satellite-based quantum communication, giving them a head start. However, with the impetus of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), Professor Kanseri is confident that India will catch up rapidly.
“I strongly believe that India, which started quite recently (in the 2020s), will achieve it in next half-a-decade or so, as under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a strong focus is to develop satellite-based long distance quantum communication,” Kanseri said.
He emphasized the need for substantial investment, large multidisciplinary teams, and the active involvement of specialized quantum startups. He also stressed the importance of indigenous development of necessary equipment and components.
While India has made strides in quantum communication, with demonstrations of QKD over both free-space and fiber optic networks, significant ground still needs to be covered compared to advancements in Europe, Canada, and the United States. Success will depend on focused research, dedicated funding, and a collaborative approach involving academia, industry, and government. If this is successful, the rewards for a technologically advanced nation like India are worth the investments.
**End of Article**
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