&w=3840&q=100)
Hack-proof communication? DRDO, IIT Delhi test quantum entanglement tech
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have successfully tested quantum secure communication over a free-space optical link, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Monday.
What is quantum secure communication?
Quantum secure communication is a technique for transmitting information that is considered theoretically impossible to hack.
How does it work?
It uses the principles of quantum physics — specifically quantum entanglement, where two particles remain connected regardless of distance. If someone tries to intercept or eavesdrop on the communication, the quantum state changes, immediately alerting the sender and receiver that the message has been compromised.
The uses
According to the ministry, this form of communication can support applications such as long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD), secure data transmission, and the future development of quantum networks.
The work was conducted under the DRDO-funded project titled Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD. The demonstration was led by Professor Bhaskar Kanseri's research group and attended by senior officials from DRDO and IIT Delhi.
Quantum entanglement-based QKD enables users to detect any attempt to intercept or alter the communication, since such actions would disturb the quantum state of the transmitted particles. This method can be used even when devices are not fully trusted or are imperfect, the ministry said.
Unlike traditional fibre-based QKD systems, free-space QKD does not require the installation of optical fibre networks, which can be costly or impractical in some areas.
Why is this important?
This development is expected to support the creation of quantum-encrypted networks and contribute to the emergence of a 'quantum internet,' where devices communicate via highly secure quantum connections. These advances are likely to enhance cybersecurity, improve the protection of sensitive data, and influence secure communications across various sectors.
The demonstration also carries important implications for military and national security by enhancing secured communication.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Indian Scientists Establish Secure Quantum Communication In Breakthrough Achievement
In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, Indian scientists have successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement-based free-space secure communication over a distance of more than one kilometre via an optical link. The development, made possible by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi, has ushered in a new quantum era in the country. The experiment achieved a secure key rate of 240 bits per second with a low error rate. This was not just a simulation; it was done in real-world conditions, showcasing the practical viability of quantum communication alongside traditional data transmission. "This entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication paves the way for real-time applications in quantum cyber security, including long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of quantum networks, and the future quantum internet," the Ministry of Defence stated. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated DRDO and IIT-Delhi for the achievement, showcasing India's rapid advancements in the field, "which will be game changer in future warfare". Notably, the project 'Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD' was sanctioned by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, while Prof Bhaskar Kanseri's research team demonstrated the test. A breakthrough has been achieved by demonstrating quantum entanglement based communication in an experimental setup through DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi. The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of… — DRDO (@DRDO_India) June 16, 2025 What is quantum entanglement? In simple terms, quantum communication involves sending information from one place to another using something called "quantum entanglement". Think of quantum entanglement like an invisible twin connection where two particles, even if miles apart, are linked in a way that what happens to one instantly affects the other. Unlike sending a physical object, you are sending the state or condition of a particle. Benefits of quantum communication Unbreakable encryption makes it a dual-use technology with applications in securing data in strategic sectors such as defence, finance, and telecommunications. Protecting national security-related communications. Free-space QKD eliminates the need to lay optical fibres, making it less expensive. Can be deployed in challenging terrains and dense urban environments. Previous breakthroughs Last year, in another DRDO-supported project, the scientists successfully distributed quantum keys using entanglement over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade optical fibre. Meanwhile, in 2022, the country's first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj was established using commercial-grade underground dark optical fibre.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
DRDO, IIT-Delhi demonstrate experimental progress in quantum communication
India has successfully demonstrated an experimental advancement in quantum communication domain that paves the way for real-time applications in quantum cyber security, according to the defence ministry. "The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of more than one km was achieved via a free-space optical link established on the IIT-Delhi campus," it said in a statement on Monday. With this, India has entered a "new quantum era", officials said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO and IIT-Delhi for this landmark achievement, stating that India entered a new quantum era of secure communication which will be a "game-changer" in future warfare. "This entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication paves the way for real-time applications in quantum cyber security, including long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of quantum networks, and the future quantum internet," the statement said. The experiment attained a secure key rate of nearly 240 bits per second with a quantum bit error rate of less than 7 per cent, the ministry said. These efforts align with India's broader objectives to advance quantum technologies for national development. Under the project 'Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD', sanctioned by Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, the demonstration was given by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri's research group in the presence of several senior officials of the DRDO, Dean (R&D) IIT-Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE) and DRDO laboratory scientists. "Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers several significant advantages over the traditional prepare-and-measure method by enhancing both security and functionality. Even if devices are compromised or imperfect, the use of quantum entanglement ensures the security of key distribution. "Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons disturbs the quantum state, allowing authorised users to detect the presence of an eavesdropper," the statement said. Quantum communication provides fundamentally unbreakable encryption, making it a dual-use technology with applications in securing data in strategic sectors such as defence, finance, and telecommunications, as well as in protecting national security-related communications, it said. "Free-space QKD eliminates the need to lay optical fibers, which can be both disruptive and expensive, especially in challenging terrains and dense urban environments," the statement said. Earlier, India's first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj in 2022, using commercial-grade underground dark optical fiber was demonstrated by DRDO scientists along with Prof Bhaskar's team, it said. More recently, in 2024, the team successfully distributed quantum keys using entanglement over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade optical fiber in another DRDO-supported project. These technologies are being developed through DRDO-Industry-Academia - Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) -- an initiative of the DRDO, where 15 Centres of Excellence have been established at premier academic institutes like IITs, IISc and universities for development of cutting-edge defence technologies. Department of Defence R&D Secretary and DRDO Chairman, Samir V Kamat, and IIT-Delhi Director, Prof Rangan Banerjee, also congratulated the team for these key achievements.
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- India Gazette
DRDO & IIT Delhi demonstrate Quantum Entanglement-Based Free-Space Quantum Secure Communication over more than 1 km distance
New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): India has entered into a new quantum era by successfully demonstrating an experimental advancement through DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE), IIT Delhi, according to the official statement from the Ministry of Defence. The free-space quantum secure communication using quantum entanglement over a distance of more than one km was achieved via a free-space optical link established on the IIT Delhi campus. The experiment attained a secure key rate of nearly 240 bits per second with a quantum bit error rate of less than 7 per cent. As per the release, this entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication paves the way for real-time applications in quantum cybersecurity, including long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of quantum networks, and the future quantum internet. These efforts align with India's broader objectives to advance quantum technologies for national development. Under the project 'Design and development of photonic technologies for free space QKD', sanctioned by Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, the demonstration was given by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri's research group in the presence of several dignitaries, including the DRDO DG (MED, COS & CS), Director SAG, Director DFTM, Dean (R&D) IIT Delhi, Director (DIA-CoE) and DRDO laboratory scientists. Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers several significant advantages over the traditional prepare-and-measure method by enhancing both security and functionality. Even if devices are compromised or imperfect, the use of quantum entanglement ensures the security of key distribution. Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons disturbs the quantum state, allowing authorised users to detect the presence of an eavesdropper. According to the release, Quantum communication provides fundamentally unbreakable encryption, making it a dual-use technology with applications in securing data in strategic sectors such as defence, finance, and telecommunications, as well as in protecting national security-related communications. Free-space QKD eliminates the need to lay optical fibers, which can be both disruptive and expensive, especially in challenging terrains and dense urban environments. Earlier, India's first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj in 2022, using commercial-grade underground dark optical fiber was demonstrated by DRDO scientists along with Prof Bhaskar's team. As per the statement, more recently, in 2024, the team successfully distributed quantum keys using entanglement over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade optical fiber in another DRDO-supported project. These technologies are being developed through DRDO-Industry-Academia - Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) - an initiative of DRDO, where 15 Centres of Excellence have been established at premier academic institutes like IITs, IISc & Universities for development of cutting edge defence technologies. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO & IIT Delhi for this landmark achievement, stating that India entered into a new quantum era of secure communication which will be a game changer in future warfare. According to the official statement, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat and Director, IIT Delhi Prof Rangan Banerjee congratulated the team for these key achievements. (ANI)
