Overview
The Ministry of Science & Technology 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, Dr Jitendra Singh (Union Minister) and Dr Nomalungelo Gina (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.
Key Developments
- Priority sectors identified: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing.
- Agreement to accelerate joint work in Advanced Materials, Geospatial Technologies and Digital Infrastructure under the existing Joint Committee mechanism.
- Exploration of new partnerships in Quantum Technologies, Biotechnology, genomics, vaccine research and hydrogen energy.
- Both sides pledged stronger participation in multilateral forums: South Africa in the upcoming BRICS Science, Technology & Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Chennai (August 2026), and India in the Science Forum South Africa 2026.
- Recognition of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) as a flagship collaborative venture.
Important Facts
• 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