India and South Africa have agreed to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing identified as priority areas for future collaboration.
During a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on June 3, 2026, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, discussed expanding partnerships in digital technologies, quantum technologies, biotechnology, geospatial technologies and hydrogen energy.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted India's advancements in AI, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Quantum Technologies and startup-led innovation, and emphasized the need to translate research collaborations into innovation, commercialization and industry-led outcomes.
Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Geospatial Technologies and Digital Infrastructure through greater engagement among scientists, research institutions and technical experts.
The discussions also explored opportunities in biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies and pandemic preparedness. South Africa expressed interest in expanding collaboration in digital technologies, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, health sciences and skills development.
The two countries also reviewed ongoing cooperation in astronomy, particularly the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, and discussed strengthening collaboration through BRICS initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, biotechnology and renewable energy.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to build a future-ready technology partnership driven by innovation, startup collaboration, research excellence and digital transformation.
