Supercomputers in India

Why in the News?

1. India’s fastest supercomputer, AIRAWAT-PSAI, at C-DAC Pune, has recently been ranked in the Top 100 of the global Top500 list.
2. The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) is entering an advanced phase, with emphasis on indigenous processors (Rudra, AUM nodes) and AI applications.
3. Globally, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, JUPITER, powered by renewable energy, was launched in September 2025, signaling the next era in computing.

Key Highlights

1. Concept and Functioning
   1. Supercomputers are high-performance systems designed for large, complex, and time-sensitive problems.
   2. They work on parallel computing — thousands/millions of processors divide tasks and combine results.
   3. CPUs handle general tasks, while GPUs specialize in repetitive mathematical operations, vital for simulations.
2. Architecture of a Supercomputer
   1. Nodes: Bundles of processors with memory, connected by high-speed networks.
   2. Storage systems: Can hold petabytes of data; require specialized file systems to avoid chaos.
   3. Cooling: Advanced techniques (water cooling, liquid immersion) to manage enormous heat.
   4. Power consumption: Comparable to a small town, making efficient power distribution critical.
3. Software Ecosystem
   1. Uses parallel programming languages like MPI and OpenMP.
   2. Schedulers manage multiple user jobs, allocate nodes, and ensure fair use.
   3. Load balancing algorithms prevent idle processors and minimize waste.
   4. Performance is measured in FLOPS; modern systems are reaching exaFLOP
4. India’s Supercomputing Journey
   1. Began in 1980s, after denial of Western exports → led to creation of C-DAC (1988).
   2. PARAM 8000 (1991) was India’s first indigenous supercomputer.
   3. NSM (2015) aimed to build 70+ HPC facilities with indigenous hardware & software.
   4. Current highlights: AIRAWAT-PSAI, PARAM series, Pratyush, Mihir across IITs, IISc, and climate labs.
5. Applications and Future Directions
   1. Used in weather & monsoon modelling, climate studies, drug discovery, AI training, defence simulations, astrophysics, nanotechnology.
   2. Future lies in exascale computing, quantum computing, and neuromorphic designs.
   3. Global push for renewable-energy powered supercomputers aligns with sustainability goals.

Key Terms

1. Parallel Computing
   1. Technique of using multiple processors simultaneously for faster execution.
   2. Divides a problem into sub-parts and solves them concurrently.
   3. Reduces computation time drastically.
   4. Core principle behind all modern HPC systems.
   5. Applied in AI, weather forecasting, defence simulations.
2. Exascale Computing
   1. Refers to systems performing 10¹⁸ FLOPS.
   2. Considered the next big leap after petascale computing.
   3. Enables simulations at unprecedented resolution (e.g., climate, genomics).
   4. Symbol of technological leadership in global power dynamics.
   5. India aspires to achieve exascale capability under NSM.
3. Neuromorphic Computing
   1. Inspired by human brain architecture.
   2. Merges processing and memory on a single chip.
   3. Promises higher energy efficiency and real-time AI learning.
   4. Still in research phase but may complement HPC.
   5. Seen as a solution to power and heat challenges in supercomputers.
4. Quantum Computing
   1. Uses quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits.
   2. Exploits superposition and entanglement for faster problem-solving.
   3. Best suited for cryptography, drug design, optimisation problems.
   4. Still experimental, but could outperform classical supercomputers in some tasks.
   5. India’s National Quantum Mission seeks to build capacity.
5. National Supercomputing Mission (NSM)
   1. Joint initiative of DST & MeitY (2015).
   2. Target: build 70+ HPC facilities across India.
   3. Promotes indigenous hardware & software
   4. Focus areas: climate modelling, AI, defence, space, genomics.
   5. Anchored by C-DAC and IISc with support from IITs and labs.

Implications

1. Scientific Advancement
   1. Enables climate modelling, vital for monsoon prediction.
   2. Facilitates molecular dynamics & drug discovery, boosting healthcare R&D.
   3. Enhances India’s space and astrophysics research.
2. Strategic Significance
   1. Reduces dependence on foreign technology amid tech-denial regimes.
   2. Strengthens defence preparedness via simulation-based scenario analysis.
   3. Boosts AI and big data capabilities, crucial for future wars.
3. Economic Impact
   1. Supports industrial R&D in nanotech, materials, and renewable energy.
   2. Generates skilled manpower in high-performance computing.
   3. Encourages Make in India hardware ecosystem.
4. Global Competitiveness
   1. Places India in the league of advanced nations with exascale ambitions.
   2. Provides a platform for international scientific collaborations.
   3. Enhances India’s soft power in global technology governance.
5. Policy & Sustainability Dimensions
   1. Aligns with Digital India & Atmanirbhar Bharat
   2. Raises concerns of high power consumption, requiring green energy.
   3. Calls for policy frameworks to fund and scale indigenous hardware.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

India’s supercomputing journey reflects self-reliance born out of technological denial. From PARAM 8000 to AIRAWAT-PSAI, the nation has built a strong HPC ecosystem with global relevance. However, to maintain leadership, India must invest in indigenous chips, green energy, and skill-building, while preparing for the quantum and exascale era.