India's Quantum computing, QKD capabilities and QUEST

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Ministry of Defence​
Quantum Communication between two DRDO Laboratories
Secure communications are vital for defence and strategic agencies world over and distribution of encryption keys from time to time is an important requirement in this context. Sharing of keys over the air or wired links requires encryption, which in turn requires encryption keys to be pre-shared. Quantum based communication offers a robust solution to sharing the keys securely. Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) undertook the project for development of this technology.
A milestone of this project was achieved today when DRDO developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology underwent trials in Hyderabad between two DRDO labs, DRDL and RCI, to show secure communication. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team for successful demonstration of QKD communication.
The technology is developed by CAIR, Bengaluru and DYSL-QT, Mumbai. Quantum Communication using time-bin Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) scheme was performed under realistic conditions. The setup also demonstrated the validation of detection of a third party trying to gain knowledge of the communication. Quantum based security against eavesdropping was validated for the deployed system at over 12kms range and 10dB attenuation over fibre optic channel.
Continuous wave laser source was used to generate photons without depolarization effect. The timing accuracy employed in the setup was of the order of picoseconds. The Single photon avalanche detector (SPAD) recorded arrival of photons and key rate was achieved in the range of kbps with low Quantum bit error rate. Software was developed for data acquisition, time synchronization, post-processing, determining Quantum bit error rate and extracting other important parameters.
The work being done at DRDO will be used to enable start-ups and SMEs in the domain of Quantum information technologies. It will also serve to define standards and crypto policies that can leverage QKD system in a unified Cipher Policy Committee (CPC) framework for more secure and pragmatic key management for current and future military cryptographic systems.
 

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Mar 22, 2021
ISRO makes breakthrough demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over 300 m
For the first time in the country, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 m. A number of key technologies were developed indigenously to accomplish this major feat, which included the use of indigenously developed NAVIC receiver for time synchronization between the transmitter and receiver modules, and gimbal mechanism systems instead of bulky large-aperture telescopes for optical alignment.
The demonstration has included live videoconferencing using quantum-key-encrypted signals. This is a major milestone achievement for unconditionally secured satellite data communication using quantum technologies.
The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology underpins Quantum Communication technology that ensures unconditional data security by virtue of the principles of quantum mechanics, which is not possible with the conventional encryption systems. The conventional cryptosystems used for data-encryption rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms, whereas the security offered by quantum communication is based on the laws of Physics. Therefore, quantum cryptography is considered as ‘future-proof’, since no future advancements in the computational power can break quantum-cryptosystem.
The free-space QKD was demonstrated at Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, between two line-of-sight buildings within the campus. The experiment was performed at night, in order to ensure that there is no interference of the direct sunlight.
The experiment is a major breakthrough towards ISRO’s goal of demonstrating Satellite Based Quantum Communication (SBQC), where ISRO is gearing up to demonstrate the technology between two Indian ground stations.
ISRO makes breakthrough demonstration of free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over 300 m
 

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Secretary Telecom Shri K. Rajaraman visits C-DOT; Inaugurates futuristic Quantum Communication Lab

Indigenously developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution by C-DOT unveiled

QKD) solution can support a distance of more than 100 kilometers on standard optical fiber

Development of indigenous QKD solution is essential to address security threats of data posed by rapid advancement in Quantum Computing


Posted On: 10 OCT 2021 9:19AM by PIB Delhi



Sh. K. Rajaraman, Secretary (T) and Chairman – Digital Communications Commission, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, visited Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT ) Delhi Campus yesterday. C-DOT is the the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. He interacted with senior officials of C-DOT and reviewed the R&D projects being developed by CDOT. He was given a detailed presentation about the telecom R & D activities undertaken by C-DOT by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, Executive Director, C-DOT. Subsequently he visited various C-DOT labs including labs of 4G/5G, GPON, Encryptors, Routers, WiFi, Cyber Security etc. He encouraged the researchers working in various R&D projects and later addressed C-DOT officers. Officers from CDOT Bangalore campus joined the address through video conferencing tool developed in-house by C-DOT.


Shri Rajaraman asked C-DOT engineers to work with full dedication towards realizing the goal of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in field of telecom. He also appreciated the contribution of C-DOT in achieving self -reliance in the field of telecom and assured full support of DoT in all endeavors of C-DOT. He complimented C-DOT for its critical role in developing indigenous 4G technology and ongoing 5G development project. (4G technology from CDOT is already under Proof of Concept (POC) Trial in BSNL network at Chandigarh and Ambala). He stressed upon CDOT to keep track of emerging technologies, align with the technology life cycle and asked CDOT to start working on 6G and other futuristic technologies in order to catch up with the market in time. He also advised C-DOT to focus on commercialization of technology and consider setting up incubators in C-DOT for faster technology commercialization. C-DOT was also asked to focus on contributing in national as well as international standards as well as creating more IPR.


Sh. K. Rajaraman also inaugurated the Quantum Communication Lab at C-DOT, Delhi and unveiled the indigenously developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution by C-DOT which can support a distance of more than 100 kilometers on standard optical fiber. Development of indigenous QKD solution is essential to address the threat that rapid advancement in Quantum Computing poses to the security of the data being transported by various critical sectors through the current communication networks. With the development of QKD solution and the existing suite of wide range of products in Optical Access, Core, Switching & Routing, Wireless, Post Quantum Cryptography Encryptors (PQCE) etc, C-DOT has become the first organization in India to offer complete portfolio of indigenous Quantum Secure telecom products & solutions to comprehensively address the requirements of Telecom Service Providers as well as Strategic and Defense sector in India.


A brief about Quantum Technologies and QKD:


Quantum Technologies are one of the most researched area at present and are attracting huge investments by Governments all across the globe as well as by private players ranging from multinational giants to start ups. Almost all countries have dedicated programs for furthering research in this area, which has immense potential, impact of which can probably be compared with that of semiconductor technology in the last few decades or the impact that the laser had since its invention in 1960s.


Quantum Technologies can broadly be divided into four verticals viz. Quantum Computing, Quantum Communications, Quantum Sensors and Quantum Materials. To comprehensively address all these verticals and leapfrog India in this crucial & niche area, India has launched National Mission on Quantum Technologies & Applications (NM-QTA). This was announced by Hon’ble Finance Minister in her budget speech delivered in February 2020. This initiative, with a budget of more than USD 1 Billion spanning over eight years, will be led by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and will have active participation from various other ministries e.g. Department of Telecommunications, Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy etc.


Quantum Technologies are based upon phenomena exhibited by microscopic particles (like photons, electrons, atoms etc.) which are quite distinct from the way normal macroscopic objects behave. Behavior of these microscopic particles can’t be described by Classical (or Conventional) Physics based on Newtonian Mechanics, and consequently Quantum Mechanics came into picture, around 100 years back, to formulate theory to describe such behavior. One of the most quoted such phenomena is the “Photoelectric effect” for which Einstein was awarded the Noble Prize in Physics in the Year 1921. Quantum Mechanics is probabilistic in contrast to Classical Mechanics which is deterministic. Besides this, Quantum Mechanics is counterintuitive as the phenomena of Superposition, Entanglement, Teleportation & Tunneling etc. exhibited by microscopic particles appears weird and have no equivalence in everyday life. These aspects of Quantum Mechanics have, however, led to number of interesting applications such as exponential increase in computing power, inherently secure communication (teleportation of information), interaction free measurements, extremely precise & sensitive sensors etc.


Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a premier telecom research & development organization under Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, is leading the effort in the Quantum Communications vertical of NM-QTA. C-DOT has developed Product in one of the most promising applications of Quantum Communications viz. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and is continuing to pursue research in this area. Development of QKD solution will address the threat that rapid advancement in Quantum Computing poses to the security of the data being transported by the current communication infrastructure.


C-DOT is actively looking to collaborate with other national & international institutes and organizations working in the area of Quantum Communications to synergize efforts in this nascent field.


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Jan 31, 2022
Department of Space demonstrates entanglement based quantum communication over 300m free space along with real time cryptographic applications
Department of Space demonstrates entanglement based quantum communication over 300m free space along with real time cryptographic applications
On 27 January 2022, scientists from the two premier laboratories of Department of Space (DOS), viz. Space Applications Centre (SAC) and Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), both from the city of Ahmedabad, have jointly demonstrated quantum entanglement based real time Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over 300m atmospheric channel along with quantum-secure text, image transmission and quantum-assisted two-way video calling. The demonstration was conducted at SAC, Ahmedabad, between two buildings separated by a distance of 300 m. This experiment and demonstration were repeated over several nights to ensure the repeatability and robustness of indigenously developed QKD system capable of seamlessly generating and utilizing secure keys for various applications.
Shri. S. Somanath, Chairman, ISRO / Secretary, DOS has witnessed this live breakthrough demonstration at SAC, Ahmedabad. Shri. Nilesh M Desai, Director SAC and Dr. Anil Bhardwaj, Director PRL were also present during the demonstration. Various images were encrypted using generated quantum key and transmitted over classical channel from one building to another building separated by 300m and decrypted at the receiving terminal in real time.
This is yet another significant step towards the development of the planned Satellite Based Quantum Communication (SBQC). This feat comes after the earlier breakthrough demonstration of quantum secure videoconferencing by SAC-ISRO using ‘prepare-and-measure’ quantum communication technology, in free space, over a distance of 300 m on 19 March 2021.
In order to achieve this technology feat, scientists developed various key technologies like robust & high brightness entangled photon source (EPS), BBM92 protocol implementation, NavIC enabled synchronization, polarization compensation technique etc. A cryptographic application software suite with integrated quantum security has also been developed and demonstrated for text, image, video encryption/decryption.
The BBM92 protocol based quantum communication link was demonstrated in the experiment. The secure-key-rate achieved was ~1.8 kbps, with Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) of less than 10%. Quantum entanglement was achieved with Bell’s parameter and quantum visibility greater than 2.2 and 80% respectively.
With these developments, ISRO, Department of Space is getting ready for satellite based demonstrations of fundamental quantum mechanics experiments as well as quantum communication for future-proof data security.
 
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India aims to rival China in quantum computing



This program aims to develop quantum technologies in pursuit of India’s national interests, train a steady pool of Indian quantum technology experts, apply quantum technologies in engineering, scientific, defense, industrial, health and agricultural purposes and harness the potential of quantum technology as a driver of economic growth.

The driving force for these efforts may be China’s own quantum technology advancements. China’s 14th Five Year Plan emphasizes quantum technology among other fields, and it intends to install satellite-enabled, global “quantum-encrypted communications capability” by 2030.

In 2016, China launched the world’s first quantum satellite, built a 2,000-kilometre quantum communication line between Beijing and Shanghai, and the world’s first optical quantum computing machine prototype.

China’s quantum technology research may also be merged with its civilian infrastructure, as part of its Military-Civil Fusion Strategy that adds dual-use ambiguity to China’s efforts in this field.

As with India, China’s advancements in quantum technology have military applications, such as detecting submarines, stealth aircraft and cracking encrypted information.
 
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DRDO’s ‘Big Breakthrough’ In Quantum Tech Powers India Into The Elite Club
 
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India’s 1st quantum computing tech park to come in Gujarat
 

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DRDO’s ‘Big Breakthrough’ In Quantum Tech Powers India Into The Elite Club
Interesting but we are struggling with classical hardware itself.....superconducting materials and fluids and so on may be an uphill task for us but its an opportunity to level the gap
 

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