India, South Africa to Scale Up Tech Partnership in AI, Digital Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing

India and South Africa have agreed to scale up bilateral cooperation in future technologies, prioritizing Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure, and Advanced Manufacturing. The talks, held in New Delhi between Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and South Africa’s Deputy Minister Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, mark a shift from traditional research ties to innovation-driven partnerships with global impact.

India–South Africa to Scale Up Tech Partnership

Key Outcomes of Bilateral Talks

• Agreed to intensify cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure, and Advanced Manufacturing.
• Shift from traditional research to innovation-driven partnerships delivering economic and societal impact.
• Focus on startup ecosystems and industry-linked research for scalable solutions.

Strategic Context

• India’s innovation ecosystem driven by national initiatives in AI, Quantum Technologies, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Digital Public Infrastructure.
• South Africa highlighted nearly 150 co-funded projects already underway, with scope for expansion in emerging technologies.
• Both nations reaffirmed their role as influential voices of the Global South through BRICS, IBSA, G20, and IORA.

Priority Areas of Collaboration

Focus Area	Details
Artificial Intelligence	Collaborative research and deployment of AI-driven solutions.
Digital Infrastructure	Strengthening digital public platforms and connectivity.
Advanced Manufacturing	Joint work in advanced materials, geospatial technologies, and scalable manufacturing systems.
Biotechnology & Health	Opportunities in genomics, vaccine development, pandemic preparedness, and affordable healthcare innovation.
Renewable Energy	South Africa expressed strong interest in hydrogen technologies and clean energy collaboration.

Upcoming Engagements

• BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting in Chennai, August 2026 — India invited South Africa’s active participation.
• Science Forum South Africa 2026 — India invited to join Africa’s premier platform for global scientific dialogue.

Long-Term Partnership

• Since the 1995 bilateral S&T Agreement, cooperation has expanded across astronomy, biotechnology, health sciences, renewable energy, and advanced materials.
• Nearly 150 co-funded projects already supported, with structured institutional mechanisms driving deeper collaboration.
• Shared resolve to build a future-ready innovation partnership focused on research excellence, commercialization, startup collaboration, and societal outcomes.