India and South Africa agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, including AI, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. In New Delhi talks, both sides stressed innovation-led partnerships, startup collaboration, biotech, health tech and renewable energy. They also reviewed astronomy cooperation under the SKA project and broader Global South engagement platforms.

New Delhi: India and South Africa on Wednesday agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in future technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing emerging as key focus areas for the next phase of engagement between the two countries, according to an official statement.

The Ministry of Science & Technology stated that the decision was taken during bilateral talks between Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina, who visited the national capital with a high-level delegation.

During the meeting, Singh called for taking the partnership beyond conventional research collaboration towards innovation-led engagement capable of delivering economic and societal impact at scale.

"The next phase of India-South Africa engagement must be shaped by emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems, startup partnerships and industry-linked research,” Singh said