India and South Africa agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in future technologies on June 3, 2026
Key priority areas for bilateral engagement include: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure, and Advanced Manufacturing
Additional collaboration areas identified: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Geospatial Technology, Digital Infrastructure, Biotechnology, Genomics, Vaccine Development, Health Technologies, Pandemic Preparedness
South Africa expressed deep interest in enhancing cooperation with India in: Renewable Energy, Hydrogen Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Health Sciences, Vaccine Research, and Skill Development
Both countries have established a network of approximately 150 co-funded research initiatives across various scientific disciplines
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project was highlighted as one of the most ambitious scientific projects of the century
India invited South Africa to the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial meeting scheduled for August 2026 in Chennai
South Africa invited India to participate in Science Forum South Africa-2026
India-South Africa bilateral science and technology cooperation has been maintained since the signing of the bilateral agreement in 1995
Collaboration has expanded to include: Astronomy, Biotechnology, Health Sciences, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Renewable Energy, Advanced Materials, and Geology
The meeting was held at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi
Indian delegation included: Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Innovation; senior officials from the department; and representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs
South African delegation was led by Deputy Minister Dr. Nomalungelo Gina and included senior officials from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the South African High Commission
