India has taken a decisive step in fortifying its communication security with the unveiling of 14 indigenous quantum products by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) during its 43rd Foundation Day in New Delhi.

These innovations are designed to safeguard India’s communication networks against the looming threats posed by future quantum computers, ensuring resilience across civilian, enterprise, and defence applications.

The products harness both Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technologies to secure phone calls, internet connections, and sensitive data.

By integrating these advanced methods, India is preparing its communication systems to remain secure even when quantum computing advances to the point of breaking classical encryption. This initiative reflects the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of self-reliance in critical technologies.

Among the QKD systems, Q-AKSHAY CD is a compact fibre-based solution employing Coherent One Way (COW) and Differential Phase Shift (DPS) protocols, while Q-AKSHAY MD represents the next generation, built on the Measurement Device Independent (MDI) protocol for enhanced security. These systems are designed to provide robust quantum-secure links across fibre networks, ensuring interception attempts are instantly detectable.

Critical quantum components unveiled include C-SPD, a Single-Photon Detector essential for quantum communication systems, and C-RD, a wideband RF driver for modulators. These components form the backbone of scalable quantum-secure networks, enabling India to build indigenous capability in quantum hardware.

The PQC solutions unveiled span multiple layers of communication. Q-SETU is a quantum-safe encryptor for Layer 3 communications with throughput up to 80 Mbps, while Q-MAHASETU is a commercial-grade encryptor for Layer 2/3 networks capable of 40 Gbps throughput.

Defence-grade solutions include Q-VIKRAM, offering 1 Gbps throughput for sensitive communications, and Q-PARAKRAM, which employs proprietary algorithms for strategic defence-grade encryption. For high-capacity optical links, Q-AMOGH secures transmissions at 200 Gbps, ensuring resilience for backbone networks.

Products designed for everyday and enterprise use include Q-DARSHAN, a quantum-safe video IP phone, and Q-VACHAN, an in-line node that upgrades existing IP phones with quantum security. Enterprise networks benefit from Q-RAQSHAK, which provides quantum-safe communication solutions, while Q-VAAYU delivers wireless point-to-point quantum-secure connectivity. Q-VAJRA1000 extends quantum-safe access to GPON and wireless radios, ensuring broad applicability across telecom infrastructure.

Category Product Application/Network Layer Key Features/Throughput Target Segment
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems Q-AKSHAY CD Fibre-based QKD (COW & DPS protocols) Compact 1U form factor; secure key generation over fibre Telecom, Enterprise
Q-AKSHAY MD Fibre-based QKD (MDI protocol) Measurement-Device-Independent; eliminates detector vulnerabilities; multi-topology over single-mode fibre Defence, Strategic
Critical Quantum Components C-SPD Single-Photon Detector Core sensing element for QKD receivers; Near-Infrared (NIR) SPAD-based System Integrators
C-RD Wideband RF Driver Drives intensity & phase modulators in quantum communication systems System Integrators
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Solutions Q-SETU Layer 3 Network Encryptor Up to 80 Mbps; NIST PQC algorithms (ML-KEM, ML-DSA); IPSec integration Enterprise, BFSI
Q-MAHASETU Layer 2/3 Commercial Encryptor Up to 40 Gbps; high-speed quantum-resistant protection Enterprise, Telecom
Q-VIKRAM Layer 2/3 Defence Encryptor Up to 1 Gbps; defence-grade security for sensitive communications Defence, Strategic
Q-AMOGH Layer 1 Optical Encryptor Up to 200 Gbps; wire-rate encryption with minimum latency; hybrid Maths+Physics architecture Data Centres, High-bandwidth networks
Q-DARSHAN Quantum-Safe Video IP Phone SIP-based secure voice & video; NIST PQC for signaling & media Enterprise, Government
Q-VACHAN In-line Node for IP Phones Upgrades existing IP phones with quantum security; NIST PQC algorithms Enterprise, Government
Q-RAQSHAK Enterprise Network Solution Quantum-safe campus & external communications; distributed security architecture Enterprise, BFSI
Q-VAAYU Wireless Point-to-Point Solution Line-of-sight wireless; hybrid Classical+PQC encryption; solar/POE-ready Defence, Remote sites
Q-VAJRA1000 Quantum-Safe Access Node Supports GPON & wireless radios; upgrades existing access networks Telecom, Enterprise
Q-PARAKRAM Defence-Grade Encryptor Proprietary algorithms for strategic communications; highest security classification Defence, Strategic

The strategic significance of these products lies in their integration of QKD technologies with NIST-approved PQC algorithms, ensuring India’s communication infrastructure is protected against “harvest now, decrypt later” threats.

By spanning enterprise, telecom, wireless, optical, and defence applications, these solutions demonstrate India’s comprehensive approach to securing its digital future.

The launch event was presided over by Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications, alongside senior dignitaries. A consolidated booklet of C-DOT’s indigenous quantum solutions was also released, underscoring India’s commitment to building future-ready communication technologies.

This initiative positions India among the select nations capable of deploying indigenous quantum-secure communication systems, reinforcing strategic autonomy and national security.

The unveiling of these 14 products marks a milestone in India’s quantum journey, combining indigenous innovation with global relevance. It strengthens India’s defence, enterprise, and civilian communication networks, ensuring resilience against the cyber challenges of the quantum era.

Agencies