<h3>Overview</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Science & Technology</strong> of India and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa have agreed to deepen collaboration in emerging technologies. In a bilateral meeting at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, <strong>Dr Jitendra Singh</strong> (Union Minister) and <strong>Dr Nomalungelo Gina</strong> (Deputy Minister) outlined a shift from pure research ties to innovation‑driven partnerships that can generate jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen the economies of both nations.</p>
<h3>Key Developments</h3>
<ul>
<li>Priority sectors identified: <span class="key-term" data-definition="Artificial Intelligence — Computer‑based systems that can learn and make decisions; a focus area for both countries under GS3: Technology and Economy">Artificial Intelligence</span>, <span class="key-term" data-definition="Digital Infrastructure — The network of broadband, data centres and cloud services that enable digital services; crucial for e‑governance and economic growth (GS3)">Digital Infrastructure</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Advanced Manufacturing — Use of robotics, AI and smart processes to produce high‑value goods efficiently; important for industrial policy (GS3)">Advanced Manufacturing</span>.</li>
<li>Agreement to accelerate joint work in Advanced Materials, Geospatial Technologies and Digital Infrastructure under the existing <span class="key-term" data-definition="Joint Committee mechanism — A formal bilateral platform that reviews and coordinates scientific cooperation; a model of institutional diplomacy (GS2)">Joint Committee mechanism</span>.</li>
<li>Exploration of new partnerships in Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, genomics, vaccine research and hydrogen energy.</li>
<li>Both sides pledged stronger participation in multilateral forums: South Africa in the upcoming <span class="key-term" data-definition="BRICS — Association of five major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) that coordinates cooperation in trade, finance and science; relevant for GS3 and GS4)">BRICS</span> Science, Technology & Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Chennai (August <strong>2026</strong>), and India in the Science Forum South Africa 2026.</li>
<li>Recognition of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Square Kilometre Array (SKA) — A world‑leading radio‑astronomy project involving India and South Africa, driving high‑performance computing and scientific talent development (GS3)">Square Kilometre Array (SKA)</span> as a flagship collaborative venture.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Facts</h3>
<p>• More than 150 co‑funded projects have been completed since the bilateral S&T Agreement of 1995.
• India’s innovation ecosystem is bolstered by national programmes in AI, Quantum Technologies, Cyber‑Physical Systems and Digital Public Infrastructure.
• South Africa seeks collaboration in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, health sciences
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