India and South Africa have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Infrastructure, and Advanced Manufacturing. The decision was taken during a bilateral meeting between Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, in New Delhi.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the next phase of India-South Africa relations should move beyond traditional research collaborations toward innovation-driven partnerships capable of delivering economic and social benefits. He highlighted the complementary strengths of both countries and their shared commitment to developing affordable, scalable, and inclusive technological solutions for the Global South.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors such as advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies, biotechnology, digital infrastructure, health technologies, renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, and skills development. Both sides agreed to strengthen engagement between research institutions, startups, innovation agencies, and industry stakeholders to accelerate technology development and commercialization.
The Minister noted India’s rapid growth as a global innovation hub, driven by initiatives in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Digital Public Infrastructure, Cyber-Physical Systems, and startup-led innovation. These advancements, he said, offer significant opportunities for deeper collaboration with South Africa.
Healthcare and biotechnology also emerged as major areas of cooperation. The two countries discussed partnerships in genomics, vaccine development, health sciences, and pandemic preparedness, building on India’s expertise in biotechnology and affordable healthcare innovation.
The leaders also reviewed progress in astronomy cooperation, particularly the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which represents one of the world’s largest scientific collaborations.
Recognizing the importance of multilateral engagement, Dr. Jitendra Singh invited South Africa to participate in the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Chennai in August 2026. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to building a future-ready partnership centered on innovation, research excellence, startup collaboration, and scientific exchanges for mutual growth and development.
