Context

India has successfully demonstrated its first 500 km Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network over the existing optical fiber infrastructure, marking a major technological leap under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

This milestone establishes India’s growing leadership in quantum communication and cybersecurity.

Background

• The achievement is part of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2023.
• The QKD network ensures unbreakable encryption for data transmission using quantum physics principles, offering high-security communication for defense, government, and strategic sectors.
• The project connects multiple cities via optical fiber using quantum-safe encryption protocols.

What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

• Quantum Key Distribution is a quantum communication technology that allows two users to securely share encryption keys.
• It is based on the principles of quantum mechanics, ensuring that any attempt to eavesdrop on the communication changes the quantum state of photons, thus alerting the system to intrusion.