India has made significant strides in supercomputing, launching three PARAM Rudra supercomputers and two High-Performance Computing Systems. These powerful machines will be instrumental in driving research and innovation across various sectors, including science, technology, and the economy.
According to a press release published on the Press Information Bureau of India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of these supercomputers in empowering young scientists and researchers. He highlighted the potential of these machines to facilitate cutting-edge research in fields like physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.
Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in today's world, Modi stressed the need for India to be a global leader in computing power. He underscored the government's commitment to fostering a strong scientific ecosystem through initiatives like Digital India, Startup India, and Make in India.
India's achievements in space exploration and semiconductor development were also highlighted. Modi stated that the government's efforts to establish a domestic semiconductor ecosystem and its ambitious space missions, such as Gaganyaan and the space station project, demonstrate India's growing scientific prowess.
Modi emphasized the transformative potential of supercomputers in various sectors, including weather forecasting, agriculture, and healthcare. He noted that these machines will enable more accurate weather predictions, improve agricultural practices, and enhance healthcare services.
Modi said India aims to leverage its supercomputing capabilities to drive innovation in quantum computing and AI. The government's focus on fostering a strong scientific ecosystem will ensure that India remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
According to the Data Center Dynamics and the Times of India, the supercomputers, designed and assembled by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing in Pune, were developed under India's National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) at a total cost of INR1.30 billion (approx. US$15.5 million). These systems have been installed at the Giant Metre Radio Telescope in Pune, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre in Delhi, and the S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata.
The most powerful of the three machines is located at the IUAC, with a capacity of three petaflops. The GMRT system has a capacity of one petaflop, while the S.N. Bose system offers 838 teraflops of computing power.
