India Demonstrates 1,000-Km Quantum Communication Network Under National Mission

Homegrown QNu Labs gear powered the trial to accelerate progress toward the mission’s 2,000-km goal.

Overview

DST officials, who announced the result Wednesday, confirmed a 1,000-km quantum key distribution network less than two years after the mission launched in October 2024.
The system sends encryption keys using quantum effects instead of classical 0s and 1s, creating the basis for more secure links.
Officials described the rollout as one of the longest QKD deployments worldwide and said it will bolster communications for defence, finance and critical infrastructure.
The indigenous setup from startup QNu Labs was built to operate across tough terrain, including underwater and underground routes.
In a related effort to grow the ecosystem, the government expanded support to nine more quantum startups, bringing the total backed under the mission to 17.