In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, the boundaries of diplomacy have expanded beyond traditional politics and trade agreements. One of the most significant developments in the modern era is the rise of science diplomacy, the use of scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing as a tool for fostering international relations, solving global challenges, and enhancing a nation’s influence.
India, with its rich scientific heritage and rapidly growing research capabilities, has embraced science diplomacy as a means to further its geopolitical ambitions, strengthen international partnerships, and address global challenges. Science diplomacy has become an essential instrument for India in its efforts to elevate its status on the global stage. By leveraging its scientific advancements in space exploration, renewable energy, healthcare, and agriculture, India has carved out a role as a leader in international scientific cooperation.
Science diplomacy is not a new concept. Historically, science and technology have played important roles in diplomacy, with nations using scientific knowledge to negotiate treaties, enhance trade relations, and foster peaceful international cooperation. However, the formal recognition of science diplomacy as an independent domain within international relations is a relatively recent development. It emerged from the realisation that science and technology could serve as neutral and unifying forces in international diplomacy, facilitating collaboration among nations even when political relationships were tense.
Image Courtesy: ISRO
Over the past few years, science diplomacy has emerged as a crucial aspect of India’s foreign policy, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in global scientific and technological arenas. India’s significant advancements in fields like space exploration, nuclear technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy have positioned it as a key player in international scientific cooperation. These achievements have not only enhanced India’s global reputation, but have also allowed the country to leverage its scientific expertise as a tool for diplomatic engagement, fostering stronger international partnerships.
DIPLOMACY BOLSTERED BY SUCCESS IN SCIENTIFIC FIELDS
India’s robust scientific and technological capabilities form the foundation of its science diplomacy efforts. The country’s success in areas such as space exploration, where organisations like ISRO have made significant strides, and in renewable energy, where it is a leader in solar power, has bolstered India’s influence on the global stage. Additionally, advancements in healthcare, particularly through biotechnology, have enabled India to collaborate with nations in addressing global health challenges, further enhancing its diplomatic outreach.
The country’s thriving innovation ecosystem, supported by its rapidly growing start-up sector, ranking third globally, further contributes to its diplomatic influence. With significant progress in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), quantum computing, 5G/6G communication, deep-tech start-ups, and aerospace technology, India is increasingly creating solutions with both domestic and global applications. These technological advancements, including breakthroughs in bioengineering and clean energy are not only shaping India’s economic future, but also elevating its standing in global science diplomacy, fostering deeper international collaboration and leadership in solving shared global challenges.
India’s space exploration achievements stand as a prime example of its science diplomacy. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has gained global recognition for its cost-effective space missions, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan missions to the Moon. These missions showcased India’s technical expertise while opening doors for international collaborations. ISRO has actively pursued partnerships, offering satellite launch services to countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America, strengthening diplomatic ties globally. Through satellite data sharing, ISRO has supported nations in disaster management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring, reinforcing its role as a responsible global space player. India’s participation in the International Space Station (ISS) programme and engagement with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) further underscores its commitment to peaceful, international cooperation in space. This space diplomacy enhances India’s standing as a leading space power, contributing to global scientific progress.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND DIPLOMACY
India’s commitment to renewable energy and climate change action is a key aspect of its science diplomacy. As one of the world’s largest energy consumers, India faces the challenge of meeting growing demands while reducing its carbon footprint. To address this, India has set ambitious goals for solar and wind energy, aiming for 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. These efforts have not only strengthened domestic energy security, but also positioned India as a leader in global climate diplomacy. India played a pivotal role in establishing the International Solar Alliance (ISA), promoting solar energy and fostering collaboration among solar-rich nations. With over 120 member countries, the ISA highlights India’s leadership in multilateral environmental efforts. India’s active participation in the Paris agreement further underscores its commitment to global climate goals, demonstrating the power of science and technology for worldwide benefit.
Science diplomacy has been pivotal in India’s healthcare efforts, particularly in addressing global health challenges like pandemics and infectious diseases. Known as ‘the pharmacy of the world’, India is a major producer of affordable medicines, vaccines, and generic drugs, enabling it to provide crucial medical support globally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India played a central role in vaccine production and distribution, especially to low and middle income countries. Through the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative, India supplied millions of vaccine doses to neighbouring nations and beyond, cementing its status as a leader in health diplomacy. India’s active involvement in global health organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and GAVI further enhances its influence in shaping international health policies and tackling global health challenges.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
India’s atomic energy programme actively engages in international collaborations to advance nuclear science and technology in areas such as nuclear power, safety, medicine, and fundamental physics research. Key partnerships include working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008) facilitates nuclear energy and safety cooperation. Collaborations with Russia focus on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, while partnerships with France’s EDF and AREVA emphasise technology transfer and safety training. India is also an associate member of the ITER project for nuclear fusion research in France. These global partnerships enhance India’s nuclear capabilities and contribute to international nuclear research and safety.
India’s science diplomacy is significantly strengthened by its strategic partnerships with nations worldwide, facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge, technology, and expertise for mutual benefit. These collaborations not only address global challenges, but also contribute to enhancing India’s own scientific capabilities. Key government institutions such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have driven collaborations across diverse sectors. Agencies such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have formed strong international research partnerships through both bilateral and multilateral science and technology initiatives.
Image Courtesy: Indian Diplomacy
Several initiatives exemplify India’s active engagement in global science diplomacy. The Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) facilitates joint research in areas such as clean energy, water, health, and advanced materials. The India-UK Science and Innovation Council promotes collaboration in sustainable urban development, healthcare, and energy, supported by initiatives like the Newton-Bhabha Fund and UKIERI. Meanwhile, the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC) supports innovation in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund targets challenges in water management, agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
India’s scientific partnerships extend to other key nations and regions as well. Collaborations with Japan focus on AI, robotics, renewable energy, and disaster management technologies. The Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR/CEFIPRA) works on life sciences, IT, environmental science, and industry-academia collaboration. The BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Framework Program fosters joint research and capacity-building among BRICS countries. Additionally, the India-Australia Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) supports research in agriculture, energy, health, and environmental sciences, including marine and climate studies. Technology has become a focal point of India’s bilateral engagement not only with the US but also with countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, the UK, and the EU.
HI-TECH COMMERCE
India’s approach to science diplomacy marks a departure from the era of technology sanctions and restrictions, instead focusing on co-development, co-investment, and co-production. This shift positions India to lead in high-tech commerce through collaborations in emerging scientific and technological fields. The government’s Product Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aim to foster high-end indigenous manufacturing in areas like solar energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, advanced batteries, biomedical devices, drones, and more. These efforts will not only reduce import dependency but also enhance India’s role in global supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as energy, digital technology, defense, and health security.
Looking ahead, India’s science diplomacy will continue to thrive through partnerships built on co-creation, co-development, and mutual benefit. Joint research, cross-border innovation, and the strategic facilitation of technology will be crucial in strengthening India’s influence in global science and technology policy.
While India has made notable progress in science diplomacy, several challenges remain in fully realising its potential. One major obstacle is the need for increased investment in research and development (R&D). Although India’s R&D spending has risen in recent years, it still trails behind other major economies like the US and China. To stay competitive on the global stage, India must significantly boost its investment in scientific research. Additionally, there is a pressing need to improve scientific and technological infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. For India to fully leverage the benefits of science diplomacy, it must ensure that scientific advancements reach every part of the country, benefiting both urban and rural populations alike.
As Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) increasingly become integral to India’s foreign policy, engaging non-governmental actors like the private sector, academia, the research community, the Indian diaspora, and the media is crucial. Effective science diplomacy requires a strategic communication approach to convey national objectives and influence global opinion. Currently, India’s commentary on scientific and technological developments is often fragmented, reactive, and tactical. To build a strong global narrative, managing risk and reputation through a cohesive media strategy is essential when discussing science and diplomacy.
This calls for proactive and dynamic collaboration between the scientific and technological community, diplomats, and other knowledge sectors, including the media. Such efforts will be critical in designing effective international engagement tools through STI, aligning them with India’s national priorities and global challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
As India continues to advance in science and technology, its science diplomacy initiatives will play an even more crucial role in shaping future international relations. Through collaboration, India can further solidify its global standing, not just as a technological powerhouse, but as a nation committed to promoting global peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
*The writer is Associate Professor, Department of Physics, University of Lucknow.
