*The Thesis:* India is transitioning from a “back-office” service provider to the world’s primary laboratory for high-stakes, “hard science” innovation in sectors such as space tech, AI infrastructure, and semiconductors. This shift is defined by a move toward deep engineering ownership and domestic “sovereign solutions” that reduce dependency on Western technology. • *The Data:* 1. The Indian Union government has cleared a *₹1 Lakh Crore* research development and innovation fund specifically for high-risk fields like semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotech. 2. Harness, a *$5.5 billion AI company*, is scaling its Bengaluru hub to *1,000+ employees* over the next three years to handle “deep engineering ownership” rather than support. 3. India ranked *third globally in tech funding* in 2025, securing *$10.5 billion*. • *The Quote:* “India is becoming the world’s AI engineering workshop not for cheap labor but for deep problem solving