India and South Africa have agreed to enhance their collaboration in future technologies, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. This decision was made during discussions between Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, who led a high-level delegation to the national capital.
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of moving their partnership beyond traditional research collaboration towards innovation-driven engagement that can have significant economic and societal impacts. He highlighted the potential for both countries to leverage their complementary strengths to develop affordable and scalable solutions for the developing world.
The next phase of engagement between India and South Africa is expected to be driven by emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, startup partnerships, and industry-linked research. The ministers recognized the significance of intensifying cooperation in advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies, and digital infrastructure, which have been identified as priority sectors under the India-South Africa Joint Committee mechanism.
Both sides also discussed opportunities in biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies, and pandemic preparedness. South Africa expressed interest in expanding collaboration with India in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and skills development, aiming to strengthen institutional linkages and innovation partnerships across key sectors.
The discussions also touched upon cooperation in astronomy, particularly progress under the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which is considered one of the most ambitious scientific collaborations globally. India and South Africa, as influential voices from the Global South, are actively shaping global dialogues on science, technology, and innovation through various platforms like BRICS, IBSA, G20, and IORA.
