New Delhi, January 8 – India announced today that an initiative for debate on scientific diplomacy will be held as part of the Raisina Dialogue 2026, which will take place here from March 5 to 7.
The new platform, aimed at analyzing the intersection between science, technology, and diplomacy, resulted from the collaboration between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (OPSA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). In a meeting where possible topics and the overall agenda of the initiative were discussed in detail, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, highlighted the fundamental role of science and technology in shaping global policies and diplomatic commitments, especially in light of the changing imperatives, options, and opportunities for the South Asian nation.
Participants in the meeting concluded that the platform will focus on key dimensions in an era of strategic autonomy, as well as the governance of disruptive and emerging technologies, and the management of the changing realities of scientific and technological partnerships in a multipolar world.
Contemporary issues such as technology control regimes, research security, and equitable participation in the processes of establishing global norms and regulations will constitute important subtopics, they noted.
Special emphasis will also be placed on the engagement of emerging scientific leaders and innovators in advanced technologies, providing them with opportunities to interact and establish partnerships with their international counterparts.
The initiative aims to facilitate high-level deliberations among scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders to generate practical ideas and make a significant contribution to global conversations on the subject.
It will feature high-level plenary sessions, along with expert roundtables focused on specific topics and pressing contemporary issues in scientific diplomacy.
The insights arising from the debates are expected to enrich and advance the global dialogue, bringing new perspectives and valuable contributions, particularly from India and the Global South.
