National Science Day to be observed later this month will be a celebration of Discovery and Innovation, a celebration whose brilliance and reach is set to scale new heights. There is an air of quiet confidence and a sense of impending responsibility of bringing in a new world order. It is not just a commemoration of a historical scientific achievement but a celebration of the spirit of inquiry, exploration, and energy that continues to drive the nation’s scientific endeavours. It is a day to recognize the tireless efforts of scientists, appreciate the importance of scientific thinking in society, and inspire the next generation to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of science and technology.
Riding on a continuing high economic growth and buoyed by her recent scientific advances like landing of Chandrayaan on moon, the ambitious solar Mission, the leading competence in quantum computing, the space technology and much more, India’s emergence as a superpower seems inevitable. A long history and tradition of treating world as a family, places India in a unique position to assume a leadership role in a world rife with conflict and a planet that faces existential crisis owing to a deteriorating environment.
A NEW PARADIGM
The discourse in global matters requires a fresh approach, interpretation, and orientation. “Empires have no interest in operating within an international system; they aspire to be the international system,” said Henry Kissinger, one of the most well-known American diplomats of the 20th century. This epitomises the approach of superpowers. The time has come to challenge the objectives of diplomacy of either territorial occupation or economic subjugation forcefully, and a new paradigm led by science and technology must engage our attention and effort. As the contours of world diplomacy continue to evolve, India stands at a historic perch, emerging as a major influencer on the global stage. The combination of a robust technological talent pool, software development prowess, and a proactive science and technology policy positions India to drive international collaborations, shape global scientific discourse, and contribute to addressing pressing global challenges. In the coming decade, India’s ascent in science diplomacy is likely to be marked by its commitment to collaborative innovation, ethical technology leadership, and proactive engagement in shaping the global agenda.
NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY`
National Science Day, therefore, becomes an occasion to focus on the potentials that science and technology present to place India among the most influential nations on the global arena. Science and technology must become our most powerful and potent tool and instrument of diplomacy, enhancing our influence and role in global discourse, as never before.
National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28th every year to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir CV Raman in 1928. This day serves as a tribute to the renowned physicist and an opportunity to recognize the importance of science in our daily lives. The Raman Effect, for which Sir CV Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, showcased the ground-breaking nature of Indian scientific research on the global stage.
India has a rich scientific heritage that has contributed significantly to various fields, from mathematics and astronomy in ancient times to contemporary advancements in space exploration, biotechnology, and information technology. National Science Day serves as a reminder of this heritage and encourages a sense of pride and enthusiasm for scientific pursuits.
The theme of the National Science Day varies each year. The theme this year is ‘Science for a Sustainable Future,’ whose significance cannot be lost as the world faces multiple challenges, many of them threatening the very existence of human race on this planet. What could be more relevant and demand more urgency than having a safe, happy and inclusive future? It eloquently echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on ‘One World: One Family: One Future’.
As the world faces complex challenges, including climate change, healthcare crises, and technological disruptions, the celebration of National Science Day takes on added significance. It reinforces the idea that scientific inquiry and innovation are essential for addressing global issues and improving the quality of life for all.
Image Courtesy: PIB
SCIENCE IN DIPLOMATIC ENDEAVOURS
Leveraging science and technology in diplomatic endeavours can contribute to India’s prominence on the world stage in several ways. It can serve as a powerful tool of diplomacy, enhancing our influence and role in global discourse. Some of these aspects include:
Innovation and Economic Growth
Demonstrating prowess in technological innovation can bolster India’s economic growth and competitiveness globally. This, in turn, attracts international partnerships and investments, fostering diplomatic ties.
Capacity Building
India’s commitment to advancing science and technology can lead to the development of skilled human resources. By offering educational and training programs, India can contribute to capacity-building initiatives in other countries, fostering goodwill and cooperation.
Collaborative Research and Development
Participating in collaborative international research projects can strengthen diplomatic ties. Joint ventures and partnerships in scientific and technological domains provide a platform for shared knowledge and expertise.
Addressing Global Challenges
Tackling global challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and cybersecurity, requires collaborative efforts. India, by actively engaging in international scientific and technological collaborations, can contribute solutions to these challenges, positioning itself as a responsible global player.
Space Diplomacy
India’s achievements in space exploration, exemplified by entities like ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), can be used for diplomatic purposes. Offering satellite launches and sharing space-related technologies can enhance India’s standing in the global community.
Digital Diplomacy
India’s growing IT sector and expertise in digital technologies can be harnessed for diplomatic purposes. By promoting digital inclusivity, supporting global digital governance initiatives, and participating in discussions on emerging technologies, India can shape the global digital landscape.
Scientific and Technological Agreements
Bilateral and multilateral agreements focused on science and technology can create a foundation for diplomatic relations. These agreements can include provisions for joint research, technology transfer, and collaboration on cutting-edge projects.
Health Diplomacy
India’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries can play a crucial role in global health diplomacy. By providing affordable medicines, vaccines, and healthcare solutions, India can contribute significantly to global well-being and enhance its diplomatic influence.
India’s contributions to scientific knowledge and technological advancements can enhance its soft power. A positive global perception of India’s capabilities in these domains can influence international opinions and foster stronger diplomatic ties.
AN EMPHATIC PRESENT: A PROMISING FUTURE
Happily, India has employed science and technology as a diplomatic tool in several instances, showcasing its capabilities and fostering international collaboration. There is a growing list of initiatives that come to mind.
Space technology
The Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing in the South Sea of the Moon and the very successful Solar Mission place India in the forefront of space technology. Her proven capability in launching satellites is already widely acknowledged and is being offered to many countries for launching their satellites. Years ago, in 2013, India successfully launched its Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), making it the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit and the first in the world to do so in its maiden attempt. These achievements demonstrate India’s space capabilities, leading to increased global recognition and collaboration opportunities in space exploration.
Image Courtesy: ISRO
ISA And GBA
Launched in 2015 by India and France at the COP21 Climate Conference, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) aims to promote solar energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. India’s leadership in establishing the ISA has positioned the country as a key player in addressing climate change through technological solutions. The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) forged during India’s presidency of G20 last year is another instance of this foresight and leadership.
COVID-19 Vaccine Diplomacy
India’s pharmaceutical industry, particularly the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, played a crucial role in manufacturing and supplying COVID-19 vaccines. India engaged in vaccine diplomacy by exporting vaccines to various countries, contributing to global efforts to combat the pandemic, and strengthening diplomatic ties.
Image Courtesy: Twitter
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
In 2018, India successfully contested and won elections to key positions in the ITU, a specialised United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICT). This victory demonstrated India’s commitment to global ICT issues and its influence in shaping international policies related to technology and communication.
Aerospace Collaboration
India and the United States have collaborated in the aerospace and defence sectors, with agreements such as the Civil Space Agreement and the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). These collaborations involve joint research, technology transfer, and the exchange of aerospace technologies, fostering stronger diplomatic ties.
Nuclear Cooperation Agreements
India has engaged in nuclear diplomacy, signing agreements with countries such as the United States and France. These agreements involve cooperation in nuclear energy, technology transfer, and non-proliferation efforts, showcasing India’s commitment to peaceful uses of nuclear technology.
Global Innovation Index (GII)
India ranks third in the world in Global Innovation Index, enhancing its image as a hub for technology and innovation, attracting international collaborations and partnerships.
INDIA AND AI
India’s embrace of AI, coupled with a commitment to responsible and ethical use, positions it as a future global leader. In the recently held Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit in New Delhi, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the same, emphasised the importance of responsible and ethical AI development. GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative with 29 member countries, which aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities. India is the lead chair of GPAI in 2024.
VISHWAMITRA
That India will dominate the world stage in near future is a conclusion many may find difficult to contest but what kind of a domination do we contemplate and foresee? A domination in the mould of the existing superpowers that thrive on the internal conflicts or the economic desperation of other nations, by becoming merchants of arsenals of arms; or binding them in perpetual subjugation in return of economic assistance? Or it is going to be a domination that is based on equity and a genuine desire and concern for the safe and secure future of mankind.
Indian prevalence on the global theatre, therefore, is going to be of a different kind, where territorial or economic subjugation is not the objective. And in this journey, Indian supremacy in science and technology is going to become the guiding force and tenet of Indian diplomacy. India is going to be the biggest exporter of science and technology to the world. And thereby secure a domination that is just, equitable and driven by a genuine desire of universal development and ensuring for future generations a planet that is increasingly a better and happier place to be living on.
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामया।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चित् दुःखभाग् भवेत्।।
*The writer, a Harvard educated civil servant, is a former Secretary to the Government of India. He also served on the Central Administrative Tribunal and as Secretary General of ASSOCHAM. He commands extensive expertise in the fields including Media and Information, Industrial and Labour Reforms, and Public Policy.
