India is home to some of the brightest scientific minds in the world, yet it has struggled to win international recognition in the form of Nobel Prizes in science. Since the Nobel Prize was first awarded in 1901, only 12 individuals of Indian origin have received it, and just five were Indian citizens. Among them, only one ~ Dr. C.V. Raman ~ won in the science category, way back in 1930 for his discovery of the Raman Effect. Nearly a century has passed since then, and despite many promising discoveries, Indian scientists have not returned to the Nobel stage.

This raises a crucial question: why does the Nobel Prize continue to elude Indian scientists, and what can be done to change that? To understand the issue, we must first look at the broader context of scientific research in India. The country has made significant strides in applied science and technology, especially in areas like space exploration, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. However, the Nobel Prizes in science typically honour fundamental research that opens new frontiers of knowledge. That kind of research requires long-term investment, intellectual freedom, and a culture that encourages bold thinking. Unfortunately, India still faces several challenges in these areas. One major issue is the nature of research itself.

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Much of India’s scientific output involves adapting foreign technologies to local conditions rather than developing original, foundational innovations. This is partly because funding is limited and often only sufficient for small-scale, test-tube-level experiments. Large-scale, high-risk research projects that could lead to transformative discoveries require sustained investment, which is currently lacking. According to the Economic Survey 2024–25, India’s R&D spending remains at 0.64 per cent of GDP, far behind countries........

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