India, a global leader in the diamond cutting and polishing industry, is encountering formidable obstacles in its burgeoning quantum research sector due to restrictive diamond import regulations. This impediment poses a significant challenge to the National Quantum Mission (NQM), a ₹6,000-crore initiative aimed at propelling India to the forefront of quantum technologies.
Quantum Technology: Beyond Gemology
While gemologists focus on the cut, clarity, color, and karats of diamonds, quantum researchers are intrigued by the ‘defects’ within these precious stones. The atomic structure of diamonds, particularly the unique arrangement of carbon atoms, plays a crucial role in various quantum experiments. Certain diamonds exhibit a nitrogen-vacancy center, where two carbon atoms are replaced by a nitrogen atom and a ‘hole.’ These centers are highly sensitive to magnetic fields and can function as qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computers.
The Role of Lab-Grown Diamonds
India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced a scheme to promote the research and development of lab-grown diamonds in the 2023 Union Budget. These diamonds, nearly indistinguishable from their natural counterparts, are considered environmentally and ethically superior. Despite India’s prowess in cutting and polishing diamonds, the country’s capability to manufacture lab-grown diamonds, especially those with quantum-research-ready defects, remains nascent.
Import Restrictions Stifle Progress
The stringent regulations imposed by India’s Customs Department on diamond imports significantly hamper quantum research. Research institutions, not classified as gemologists under Indian customs law, face severe difficulties in importing the necessary diamonds. This bureaucratic challenge inflates costs by 20% to 30%, as research facilities must rely on licensed import and export companies.
A quantum researcher from one of the Indian Institutes of Technology highlighted the issue, stating, “Our institution cannot import diamonds essential for quantum sensing research due to customs classifications. This has halted much of our research.”
Disconnect Between Departments
A recent report by Bengaluru-based consultancy, Itihaasa, underscores the disconnect between India’s scientific departments and the Customs Department. The report, based on interviews with senior scientists from various prestigious institutions, points out the prolonged delays and bureaucratic hurdles in importing artificial diamonds for research purposes.
At the report’s launch, Dr. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, acknowledged the issue and assured that it was under review.
Future of Quantum Computing in India
Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Science and Technology has ambitious plans to develop quantum computers with capacities ranging from 50 to 1,000 qubits by the end of the decade. However, the practical utility of quantum computers remains a global challenge, particularly in maintaining electrons in their qubit states, as required by defect-laden diamonds.
India’s aspirations in quantum technology are significant, yet the bureaucratic impediments present a substantial barrier. Addressing these import restrictions is crucial for the country to realize its potential and achieve breakthroughs in the field of quantum research.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
