India and South Africa have agreed to strengthen their partnership in emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing identified as priority areas for joint development.
The decision was taken during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi between Indian Union Minister Jitendra Singh and South African Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomlungelo Gina. Both countries agreed that future cooperation should move beyond traditional research collaboration towards innovation, technology development, startup partnerships and industry-led solutions.
A number of priority areas for joint work were identified, including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, quantum technologies, biotechnology and genomics, hydrogen energy, geospatial technologies and health technologies and vaccine research. Singh said India and South Africa have complementary strengths and can work together to develop affordable and scalable technology solutions for the developing world.
India highlighted its progress in AI, quantum technologies, digital public infrastructure and startup-driven innovation. Singh stressed the need for stronger engagement between research institutes, startups, innovation agencies and industries of the two countries, with both sides agreeing to encourage greater interaction between scientists and technical experts to translate research partnerships into practical innovation and commercial opportunities.
The discussion also focused on biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development and health care technologies. India emphasized its expertise in biotechnology and affordable health care innovation, while South Africa expressed interest in enhancing cooperation in health sciences and vaccine research. The two countries also discussed cooperation in renewable energy and hydrogen technologies as part of a broader partnership.
South Africa noted that the two countries have already supported approximately 150 joint research projects in various scientific disciplines, and officials from both sides expressed confidence that the partnership is now ready to expand into advanced technology areas. The leaders also reviewed cooperation in astronomy, including the Square Kilometer Array project – one of the major scientific collaborations between the two countries.
Singh invited South Africa to participate in the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting to be held in Chennai in August. The meeting is expected to focus on collaborative research in AI, renewable energy, biotechnology and advanced materials. South Africa in turn invited India to participate in the Science Forum South Africa 2026, a premier platform for scientific collaboration and innovation partnerships.
India and South Africa have maintained a strong science and technology partnership since the signing of a bilateral agreement in 1995. The latest discussions indicate a broader shift towards innovation-led cooperation aimed at promoting technology development, economic growth and sustainable development in both countries.