Part I
On March 26, 2023 ISRO, India’s Space Research Organisation, launched a clutch of 32 satellites through one Satellite Launch vehicle(SLV), firmly establishing once again, her capabilities and credentials in the sphere of space technology. Most of these satellites were of other countries. That brings into sharper focus the rationale and reward for using Science and Technology as a potent and effective instrument of diplomacy.
Science and Technology diplomacy is not new, but it has never seen such salience. Many of the defining challenges of the 21st century— from climate change and food security, to poverty reduction and nuclear disarmament—have scientific dimensions. No one country will be able to solve these problems on its own. The tools, techniques and tactics of foreign policy need to adapt to a world of increasing scientific and technical complexity and the increasing aspirations of developing world.
An Emerging Technology Power
India is in a very unique and unprecedented position to harness this diplomatic potential. Her research output, patent application, thrust for innovation, the pool of scientific and technological Human Resource and the government’s commitment to scientific research, offer strong evidence of her strengths and potentials. According to the National Science Foundation’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2020 report, India ranked third in the world in terms of the number of scientific and engineering publications in 2018, behind only China and the United States. India’s patent applications have also been increasing steadily. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), India ranked tenth in the world in terms of the number of patent applications filed in 2020. And India emerged as an emerging innovation hub, with Indian startups and companies making significant contributions in various fields, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. In 2021, India was ranked as the third most innovative economy in the world by the Bloomberg Innovation Index.
India has a large pool of highly educated and skilled workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), India had over 2 million STEM graduates in 2016, second only to China.
India has been investing heavily in science and technology, with the government’s spending on research and development increasing steadily over the years. According to the National Science Foundation’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2020 report, India’s government spending on research and development increased by an average of 6.3% per year between 2000 and 2017.
STIP – Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
India’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2013 was the first instance when an intersection of technology and diplomacy found a place in an official government document. The document states ‘policy framework will enable strategic partnerships and alliances with other nations through bilateral and multilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Science diplomacy, technology synergy and acquisition models will be judiciously deployed based on strategic relationships.’ This was further reinforced in the recently released STIP-2020 draft document. It discusses the role of science and technology (S&T) in reorganising India’s foreign policy priorities and shaping the global system with the country’s science and technology.
The STIP-2020 draft also advocates developing a ‘Proactive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Diplomacy Strategy’ for India. The proposed strategy addresses crucial global issues including technology, governance standards, ethics and dual-use capabilities.
The three main aspects included in the STI Diplomacy Strategy in the STIP-2020 are, 1. India’s membership and its scientific personnel’s participation in S&T-focused strategic multinational groups and consortia. 2. Development of International Knowledge Centres to improve access to human resources. And 3. Expanding the role of current Indian S&T counsellors in other countries and reviewing each one’s role periodically.
In pursuance of this strategy, several such alliances have already emerged. A notable example is the International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched in 2015 by India and France to boost solar energy in developing countries. It is an association of 121 signatory countries of which majorly are sunshine countries (countries lying between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn), and is an excellent example of modern-day science diplomacy.
To underscore the emerging importance of this diplomacy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) created in 2020, technically specialised divisions, namely the Cyber Diplomacy division, e-Governance and Information Technology division, and the New Emerging and Strategic Technologies division.
INDO-US Co-operation
The Indo-US cooperation and collaboration in the field of science and technology has evolved significantly over the years, with both countries working together on a range of projects and initiatives. The collaboration has been driven by a shared interest in advancing scientific research and addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy, healthcare, and agriculture.
US-India Science and Technology Endowment Fund (USISTEF) was launched in 2017 to provide funding and support for joint research and innovation projects in areas such as public health, energy, and agriculture.
Another successful example of Indo-US collaboration in science and technology was the establishment of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) in 2000. The IUSSTF has facilitated hundreds of joint research projects, fellowships, and scientific exchanges between Indian and American researchers and institutions.
The Indo-US collaboration in science and technology has also led to stronger economic ties with Indian and American companies working together on research and development projects.
The collaboration in science and technology is also likely to impact global issues positively. By working together, India and the United States can combine their expertise, resources, and technology to tackle global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and food security. For example, the US-India Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center is working on developing new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy.
(To Be Continued)
scribo ad LX 