India and South Africa promote cooperation in AI, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, innovation and global south cooperation.
India and South Africa have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in future technologies, giving priority to Artificial Intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The talks, held in New Delhi between Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and South African Deputy Minister Dr Nomlungelo Jeena, mark a shift from traditional research ties to an innovation-driven partnership with global impact.
India-South Africa will increase technical partnership
Major results of bilateral talks
- It was agreed to increase cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructureAnd advanced manufacturing.
- Deviating from traditional research Innovation-driven partnerships Making an economic and social impact.
- focus Startup Ecosystem And Industry related research For scalable solutions.
strategic context
- India's innovation ecosystem is driven by national initiatives in AI, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems and digital public infrastructure.
- South Africa highlighted almost 150 co-financed projects It is already underway, with scope for expansion in emerging technologies.
- Both countries reaffirmed their role as influential voices global south Through BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA.
Priority areas of cooperation
| focus area | Description |
|---|---|
| artificial intelligence | Collaborative research and deployment of AI-powered solutions. |
| digital infrastructure | Strengthening digital public platforms and connectivity. |
| advanced manufacturing | Joint work in advanced materials, geospatial technologies and scalable manufacturing systems. |
| Biotechnology and Health | Opportunities in genomics, vaccine development, pandemic preparedness and affordable health care innovation. |
| Renewable energy | South Africa expressed strong interest in hydrogen technologies and clean energy cooperation. |
upcoming engagement
- BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting In Chennai, August 2026 – India invites South Africa for active participation.
- Science Forum South Africa 2026 -India invited to join Africa's premier forum for global scientific dialogue.
long term partnership
- Since the 1995 bilateral S&T Agreement, cooperation has expanded into astronomy, biotechnology, health sciences, renewable energy and advanced materials.
- Around 150 co-financed projects are already supported, with deep cooperation ongoing with structured institutional mechanisms.
- shared resolve to build Future ready innovation partnership The focus was on research excellence, commercialization, startup collaboration and social outcomes.