India, South Africa to deepen AI, advanced manufacturing cooperation
Synopsis
India and South Africa are pivoting their science partnership from lab-bench research to startup-led, industry-linked engagement. With AI, digital public infrastructure, hydrogen and the SKA astronomy project on the table, this is a Global South tech bloc taking shape — and a clear signal that BRICS and IBSA are becoming operational, not just rhetorical.
Key Takeaways
India and South Africa agreed on 3 June to deepen cooperation in AI, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
Talks were held between Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and South African Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina in New Delhi.
Priority sectors include advanced materials, geospatial tech, biotechnology, genomics and pandemic preparedness.
South Africa flagged interest in renewable energy , hydrogen technologies and skills development.
Both sides reviewed progress under the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) astronomy project.
India and South Africa on Wednesday, 3 June, agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in future technologies, with artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure and advanced manufacturing identified as flagship areas for the next phase of engagement, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Science & Technology. The decision came out of bilateral talks in New Delhi between Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina, who led a high-level delegation to the national capital.
Key Outcomes of the Talks
Both sides decided to intensify cooperation in advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies and digital infrastructure — sectors flagged as priorities under the India-South Africa Joint Committee mechanism. The talks also opened doors in biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development, health technologies and pandemic preparedness, with both governments stressing the need for stronger scientific partnerships in the wake of recent global health shocks.
What Jitendra Singh Said
Singh called for moving the partnership beyond conventional research collaboration toward 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, according to the ministry statement.
He highlighted India's rapid progress in AI, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, digital public infrastructure and startup-led innovation, arguing that these advances create fresh openings for joint research and technology partnerships. As influential voices of the Global South, India and South Africa are increasingly shaping global conversations on science and innovation through BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA, he added.
South Africa's Priorities
Dr Gina said South Africa views India as a trusted partner and is keen to strengthen institutional linkages across priority sectors. Pretoria flagged interest in expanding cooperation in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and skills development.
Astronomy and the SKA Project
The two sides also reviewed cooperation in astronomy, including progress under the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which Singh described as one of the most ambitious scientific collaborations globally. South Africa hosts a key share of the SKA's mid-frequency array, and India is a participating member — making astronomy one of the most mature pillars of the bilateral science relationship.
Why It Matters
The renewed push lands at a moment when both countries are recalibrating their science diplomacy around AI governance, semiconductor supply chains and climate-linked technologies. With BRICS expansion reshaping the Global South's tech bloc, this round of engagement signals an attempt to convert long-standing research ties into commercially scalable, startup-led partnerships. The next India-South Africa Joint Committee meeting is expected to operationalise sector-specific roadmaps.
Point of View
Or whether AI and hydrogen become the next set of headline keywords without measurable bilateral deliverables.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did India and South Africa agree on during the 3 June talks?
India and South Africa agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in future technologies, with artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing identified as key focus areas. The decision came during talks between Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and South African Deputy Minister Dr Nomalungelo Gina in New Delhi.
Which sectors are prioritised under the India-South Africa Joint Committee?
The Joint Committee mechanism has flagged advanced materials and manufacturing, geospatial technologies and digital infrastructure as priority areas. Talks also covered biotechnology, genomics, vaccine development and pandemic preparedness.
What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project?
The SKA is a global astronomy initiative that Jitendra Singh described as one of the most ambitious scientific collaborations worldwide. South Africa hosts part of its mid-frequency array, and India is a participating member, making it a mature pillar of the bilateral science relationship.
Why is this partnership significant for the Global South?
India and South Africa are increasingly shaping global discussions on science and innovation through BRICS, IBSA, G20 and IORA. Both sides argue their complementary strengths can deliver affordable, scalable technology solutions for developing economies.
What areas did South Africa specifically seek to expand?
South Africa expressed interest in expanding cooperation with India in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, health sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and skills development. Dr Gina said Pretoria views India as a trusted partner across these priority sectors.
