India and South Africa today agreed to scale up bilateral cooperation in future technologies, with Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing emerging as key priorities for the next phase of bilateral engagement. Holding bilateral talks with the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa Dr Nomalungelo Gina in New Delhi, Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that the next phase of India-South Africa engagement must be shaped by emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, startup partnerships and industry-linked research.
Dr Singh said that the next phase of India-South Africa engagement must be shaped by emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, startup partnerships and industry-linked research. He said the two countries possess complementary strengths that can be leveraged to create affordable, scalable and inclusive technological solutions for the developing world. The Minister noted that as influential voices of the Global South, both countries are increasingly contributing to shaping international conversations on science, technology and innovation through platforms such as BRICS, G20 and Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Dr Singh highlighted that India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems, supported by major national initiatives in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Cyber-Physical Systems, Digital Public Infrastructure and startup-led innovation. He said these advancements present new opportunities for collaborative research, technology development and innovation partnerships with South Africa.
