India and South Africa agreed to scale up bilateral cooperation in future technologies
Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing identified as key priorities for next phase of bilateral engagement
Meeting held at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi
South African delegation led by Deputy Minister Dr. Nomalungelo Gina
Indian delegation included Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, DST, and officials from Ministry of External Affairs
Decision to intensify collaboration in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Geospatial Technologies and Digital Infrastructure
Both sides agreed to accelerate interactions among scientists, institutions and technical experts
Nearly 150 co-funded projects already exist across diverse scientific disciplines between the two countries
Substantial opportunities identified in biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies and pandemic preparedness
South Africa expressed interest in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, health sciences, vaccine research and skills development
Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project highlighted as flagship area of India-South Africa scientific engagement
BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting scheduled in Chennai in August 2026
Science Forum South Africa 2026 invited Indian participation
Bilateral Science and Technology partnership established since 1995 agreement
Cooperation spans astronomy, biotechnology, health sciences, indigenous knowledge systems, renewable energy, advanced materials and earth sciences
