C-DOT Unveils 14 Made-in-India Quantum Security Products for Future Communication Networks

New Delhi, August 31, 2026: India's Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has unveiled 14 indigenously developed quantum-security products aimed at strengthening telecom, enterprise and strategic communication networks for the emerging quantum-computing era.

The new portfolio covers two major areas of next-generation cybersecurity: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

C-DOT, the telecom research and development centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), unveiled the products during its 43rd Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi.

The range includes quantum key distribution systems, quantum-safe network encryptors, secure IP communication products, wireless security solutions and specialised components required for quantum communication infrastructure.

Why Quantum-Safe Communication Matters

Most secure digital communications today depend on cryptographic algorithms that are difficult for conventional computers to break.

However, sufficiently powerful quantum computers could eventually threaten some of the public-key cryptographic systems widely used today.

This does not mean that today's encryption has suddenly become unsafe. Large-scale cryptographically relevant quantum computers are not currently available. The concern is about preparing critical infrastructure well in advance for a future in which such systems may become practical.

There is also a security concern often described as "harvest now, decrypt later", where encrypted information intercepted and stored today could potentially be targeted in the future when more powerful computing capabilities become available.

This makes the transition towards quantum-resistant cryptography particularly important for information that must remain confidential for many years.

QKD and PQC: What's the Difference?

C-DOT's portfolio combines two different approaches to quantum-era communication security.

Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum Key Distribution, or QKD, uses principles of quantum physics to establish and distribute cryptographic keys between communicating parties.

Instead of replacing all conventional encryption, QKD can provide a highly secure mechanism for distributing the keys used to protect communications.

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography, or PQC, uses mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from both conventional and future quantum computers while running on conventional computing and networking infrastructure.

Several products announced by C-DOT incorporate PQC algorithms standardised by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

C-DOT's 14 Quantum Products

Q-AKSHAY CD

Q-AKSHAY CD is a compact fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution system.

It uses Coherent One Way and Differential Phase Shift protocols and is packaged in a compact 1U form factor. The system is designed to generate and distribute quantum keys over fibre networks.

Q-AKSHAY MD

Q-AKSHAY MD is a fibre-based QKD system using the Measurement Device Independent protocol.

The technology is intended to provide additional protection against vulnerabilities associated with measurement devices used in quantum communication systems.

C-SPD

C-SPD is a Single-Photon Detector, an important component used in quantum communication systems.

C-RD

C-RD is a wideband RF driver designed to drive intensity and phase modulators used in quantum communication equipment.

It serves as a specialised hardware component for high-performance quantum communication applications.

Quantum-Safe Encryptors for Different Networks

Q-SETU

Q-SETU is a quantum-safe Layer 3 encryptor supporting throughput of up to 80 Mbps.

It incorporates NIST-standardised PQC algorithms and is designed to protect network data against emerging quantum-era threats.

Q-MAHASETU

Q-MAHASETU is a commercial-grade quantum-safe encryptor supporting Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks with throughput of up to 40 Gbps.

It is intended for high-speed enterprise and critical communication infrastructure.

Q-VIKRAM

Q-VIKRAM is a defence-grade quantum-safe encryptor supporting up to 1 Gbps for Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks.

C-DOT says it is intended for sensitive and strategic communications.

Q-AMOGH

Q-AMOGH is a high-speed Layer 1 quantum-safe optical encryptor supporting throughput of up to 200 Gbps.

It is designed to secure high-capacity optical communication links against emerging quantum-era threats.

Quantum-Safe Voice and Video Communication

Q-DARSHAN

Q-DARSHAN is a quantum-safe video IP phone incorporating NIST PQC algorithms to protect voice and video communications.

Q-VACHAN

Q-VACHAN is an in-line quantum-safe node for IP phones.

It can be used to add quantum-security capabilities to existing IP phones without necessarily replacing the complete communication setup.

Enterprise and Wireless Quantum Security

Q-RAQSHAK

Q-RAQSHAK is a quantum-safe enterprise network solution designed to protect enterprise communications and network infrastructure using NIST PQC algorithms.

Q-VAAYU

Q-VAAYU is a quantum-safe wireless point-to-point network solution designed to protect wireless communication links.

Q-VAJRA1000

Q-VAJRA1000 is a quantum-safe access node intended to help integrate quantum security into existing network infrastructure.

According to C-DOT, it can support technologies including GPON and wireless radios.

Q-PARAKRAM

Q-PARAKRAM is a defence-grade quantum-safe encryptor supporting up to 1 Gbps on Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks.

C-DOT says the system combines NIST PQC algorithms with proprietary algorithms and is designed for strategic and defence communications.

From 80 Mbps to 200 Gbps

The announced products show that C-DOT is targeting several different parts of India's communication infrastructure rather than developing a single quantum-security device.

The systems range from an 80 Mbps Layer 3 encryptor to a 200 Gbps Layer 1 optical encryptor, alongside solutions for enterprise networks, wireless links, IP phones, defence communications and quantum key distribution.

Specialised components such as the single-photon detector and RF driver could also contribute to a broader domestic ecosystem for developing quantum communication equipment.

CYPEE Tech Explained: Can Quantum Computers Break Encryption Today?

No.

The announcement should not be interpreted as evidence that today's encrypted internet traffic can suddenly be broken by quantum computers.

Quantum-safe technologies are being developed because cryptographic infrastructure often takes many years to design, standardise, test and replace.

Critical government, telecom, financial, defence and enterprise systems therefore need to prepare before powerful quantum computers capable of threatening vulnerable cryptographic algorithms become available.

Why Indigenous Quantum Technology Matters for India

Communication networks are critical infrastructure.

Developing security technologies domestically can give India greater control over important components, implementation and deployment while building domestic expertise in a strategically important field.

C-DOT said its new portfolio is intended to translate indigenous research into deployable technologies capable of strengthening the security and resilience of India's communication networks.

The products cover telecom, enterprise, wireless, optical, strategic and defence applications, indicating that C-DOT is approaching quantum security as an infrastructure-wide challenge rather than a single application.

Quantum Product Series Booklet Released

C-DOT also released a Quantum Product Series booklet during the event.

The publication consolidates information about its QKD and PQC technologies and outlines the organisation's work towards secure and future-ready communications.

The unveiling took place in the presence of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Telecom Secretary and Digital Communications Commission Chairman Amit Agrawal, and other officials.

What This Development Means

C-DOT's announcement is notable not simply because 14 products were launched, but because the portfolio covers several layers of communication infrastructure.

QKD systems address secure quantum-key distribution, PQC-based encryptors are designed to protect existing digital networks, and components such as single-photon detectors support the development of a wider quantum communications ecosystem.

For India, this represents another step towards preparing critical communication infrastructure for a computing environment in which today's cryptographic assumptions may eventually change.

Source: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) / Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, information released through PIB on August 31, 2026.