By Enersider Desk | New Delhi | 3 June 2026
India and South Africa have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in future technologies, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing as key priorities for the next phase of engagement between the two countries.
The decision was taken during a meeting between Union Minister Jitendra Singh and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, who visited India with a high-level delegation.
Singh said, “The next phase of India-South Africa cooperation should move beyond traditional research partnerships and focus on emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, start-up partnerships and industry-linked research.”
He added both countries have complementary strengths that can help create affordable, scalable and inclusive technological solutions for the developing world.
Image Credit: PIB
The Minister stated that India and South Africa share a strong partnership based on a common history, democratic values and a commitment to inclusive growth. He said, “Both nations continue to contribute to global discussions on science, technology and innovation through platforms such as BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA.”
The meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi, included senior officials from both countries. Discussions highlighted India’s growing innovation ecosystem supported by national initiatives in AI, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, digital public infrastructure and start-up-led innovation.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies and digital infrastructure under the India-South Africa Joint Committee mechanism. They also decided to increase interactions among scientists, institutions and technical experts to develop concrete collaborative programmes.
The talks identified opportunities in biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies and pandemic preparedness. Singh said, “India’s strengths in biotechnology, affordable healthcare innovation and vaccine manufacturing provide significant scope for collaboration with South Africa.”
South Africa expressed interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, health sciences, vaccine research and skills development.
Gina said, “South Africa values India as a trusted partner and is keen to strengthen research collaboration and innovation partnerships.” She also added that the two countries have already supported nearly 150 co-funded research projects across various scientific fields.
The leaders also reviewed cooperation in astronomy, including the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project. Singh invited South Africa to participate in the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Chennai in August 2026, while the South African side invited India to attend Science Forum South Africa 2026.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to building a stronger innovation partnership focused on research, technology development, start-up collaboration and scientific exchanges.
Also Read: India, Myanmar to boost trade via Rupee-Kyat mechanism; eye agro, energy, mining tie-ups
