India · Quantum-Safe Cryptography
Quantum Crypto in India — QKD vs Post-Quantum Cryptography
Searches for "quantum crypto" or "quantum cryptography" in India often mix two different technologies. This guide clarifies the difference and explains what Indian banks and fintech teams actually need for quantum-safe migration in 2026–2033.
What is quantum cryptography (QKD)?
Quantum cryptography typically means quantum key distribution (QKD) — using quantum physics (photon channels) to distribute keys. QKD requires specialized hardware and dedicated links. India's research programs explore QKD, but national banking migration roadmaps focus on post-quantum algorithms deployable on existing TLS, HSM, and API infrastructure.
What is post-quantum cryptography (PQC)?
Post-quantum cryptography (also called quantum-safe or quantum-resistant crypto) uses new mathematical algorithms on classical computers. NIST standardized ML-KEM-768 (FIPS 203) for key exchange and ML-DSA (FIPS 204) for signatures. This is what RBI Q-SAFE, NPCI pilots, and India's Quantum Safe Ecosystem report target for regulated finance.
| Term | Technology | Banking relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum crypto (QKD) | Quantum physics channels | Niche links; not mass TLS migration |
| Post-quantum crypto (PQC) | ML-KEM, ML-DSA on classical infra | TLS, APIs, HSMs, signing — primary path |
| Quantum-safe | Same as PQC in practice | Policy language in RBI / national roadmaps |
What should Indian teams search for and buy?
For payment rails, core banking APIs, custody keys, and document signing, teams need post-quantum cryptography migration — CBOM inventory, hybrid ML-KEM-768 staging, and production deploy. Read post-quantum cryptography in India for the full national context.
How does VajraShield provide quantum-safe crypto in India?
VajraShield is post-quantum (quantum-safe) migration infrastructure on IBM Cloud India — not QKD hardware. Live ML-KEM-768 encrypt and ML-DSA sign APIs, assisted CBOM, and Vajra Box on-prem when keys must stay in-country.