India Achieves Milestone in Secure Communication with Quantum Entanglement-Based Experiment

India successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement-based secure communication over a 1-kilometre free-space link. The experiment was a collaboration between DRDO, industry, and IIT-D. The project aims to create a secure real-time communication system for defence, banking, and telecommunications. The project, established on the IIT campus in 2023, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Title: India's Quantum Leap: Secure Communication Demonstrated Over 1-Kilometre Free-Space Link

India has taken a significant stride in quantum communication with a successful demonstration of secure communication over a 1-kilometre free-space link. The experiment, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with industry and IIT Delhi, marks a crucial milestone in the development of a secure real-time communication system for defence, banking, and telecommunications.

Key Findings

The experiment, which was part of a larger project established on the IIT Delhi campus in 2023, utilized quantum entanglement to achieve a secure key rate of 240 bits per second with an error rate of less than seven percent [1]. This breakthrough, achieved over a distance of more than one kilometre, showcases the feasibility of quantum communication in real-world conditions outside controlled labs.

Quantum Entanglement: The Key to Secure Communication

Quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where two particles remain connected regardless of distance, forms the backbone of this secure communication. This unique property enables encryption keys to be exchanged securely, with any interception attempt immediately detected due to the disturbance of the entangled particles. This method, known as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), offers a level of security that traditional encryption methods cannot match.

Implications for Cybersecurity

The development of quantum communication systems is particularly significant in the face of advancing quantum computers, which pose a threat to current encryption methods. Traditional systems could be cracked within seconds by quantum computers, putting sensitive communications at risk. Quantum entanglement-based communication offers a solution by providing unbreakable encryption grounded in the laws of physics.

Industry Support and Future Potential

The success of this project has garnered support from major financial institutions. HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has invested in QNu Labs, a pioneer in quantum-safe cybersecurity platforms. This investment underscores the growing recognition of quantum technologies as a crucial component of future cybersecurity [2].

The potential applications of free-space QKD are vast. It avoids the need for expensive optical fibre networks, making it particularly useful in challenging terrains and dense cities. Furthermore, the technology can be adapted for satellite communication, extending secure links across thousands of kilometres.

Conclusion

India's quantum leap in secure communication is not just a scientific achievement but a strategic move towards a more secure digital future. As cyber threats continue to rise, this technology could ensure that sensitive communications remain secure. The collaboration between DRDO, industry, and IIT Delhi sets a precedent for future advancements in quantum communication, positioning India at the forefront of global cybersecurity innovations.

References

[1] https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/teleportation-iit-delhis-quantum-entanglement-experiment-sounds-like-wormhole-test-how-it-secures-indias-future/articleshow/123603873.cms
[2] https://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/about-us/news-room/press-release/2025/q3/hdfc-bank-backs-indigenous-solutions-invests-in-quantum-cybersecurity-start-up-qnu-labs