Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh met South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina in New Delhi on 3 June 2026, with both sides committing to move their science and technology relationship from academic exchange toward commercial, innovation-driven outcomes.
The two countries agreed to scale up bilateral cooperation in future technologies, with AI, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing emerging as key priorities for the next phase of bilateral engagement.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged a shift beyond research cooperation towards innovation-driven partnerships that deliver economic and societal impact, and called for stronger links among research institutions, innovation agencies, startups and industry.
A major outcome of the discussions was the decision to intensify collaboration in advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies and digital infrastructure — priority areas identified under the India-South Africa Joint Committee mechanism. Both countries agreed to convene three bilateral technical workshops on advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies and digital infrastructure.
Both countries agreed to accelerate interactions among scientists, institutions and technical experts to transform these focus areas into concrete collaborative programmes. The discussions also highlighted substantial opportunities in biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies and pandemic preparedness.
South Africa expressed interest in expanding cooperation with India in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and skills development.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that India and South Africa have complementary strengths that can be harnessed to create affordable and inclusive technological solutions, with India's rapidly growing innovation ecosystem supported by initiatives in AI, quantum technologies and digital public infrastructure.
Both countries are increasingly contributing to shaping international conversations on science, technology and innovation through platforms such as BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA. Dr Jitendra Singh invited South Africa to the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Chennai in August 2026, while South Africa invited India to Science Forum South Africa 2026.
