India to Host Inaugural Science Diplomacy Initiative at Raisina Dialogue 2026
New Delhi, India – India is set to launch a significant new platform for global discourse on science diplomacy, the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) 2026. Announced on January 8, 2026, this initiative will be an integral part of the prestigious Raisina Dialogue 2026, scheduled to take place from March 5 to 7, 2026, in New Delhi.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (OPSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The partnership was jointly announced by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser, and Dr. Samir Saran, President of ORF, during a meeting at the Office of the PSA.
Objectives and Key Focus Areas
The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative aims to establish an influential platform within the Raisina Dialogue framework, specifically focusing on the crucial intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy. This move is intended to position India as a key contributor to global conversations on science-led policy.
Discussions within the SDI 2026 are expected to delve into several critical topics, particularly in the context of a multipolar world. These include:
- The governance of disruptive and emerging technologies.
- Research security.
- The need for equitable involvement in global regulatory processes.
- Evolving models of scientific and technological partnerships.
- Engaging emerging scientific leaders and deep-tech innovators.
Prof. Sood emphasized the increasing significance of science and technology in shaping global policy and enhancing diplomatic relations, especially in light of India's evolving strategic landscape. The initiative seeks to examine how scientific capabilities, technological innovation, and diplomatic strategies intersect in an era of disruption and competition.
Expected Impact and Participation
The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative is designed to convene high-level discussions among scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders. These deliberations are expected to generate actionable insights that can inform policy, international cooperation, and long-term strategic thinking. The initiative also aims to enhance global dialogues, offering valuable perspectives particularly from India and the Global South.
A distinctive feature of the SDI will be its emphasis on engaging emerging scientific leaders, researchers, and deep-tech innovators, providing them with direct exposure to global policymakers and fostering cross-border collaboration. The launch marks an open invitation for research institutions, technology companies, startups, scientific leaders, and international partners to actively participate in shaping the future of science-driven diplomacy.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
Excellent initiative! India is stepping up to lead on critical global tech issues.
Katchuka
Positioning India as a key contributor to global science policy is ambitious, however, the initiative needs to clearly define how it will integrate diverse scientific perspectives from the Global South without imposing a single national agenda.
Noir Black
Science diplomacy is just a fancy term for soft power. What about equitable access to technology, not just talk?
Bermudez
This will truly position India as a key player in shaping the future of technology governance.
Coccinella
Engaging emerging scientific leaders is a commendable goal, but the initiative must ensure that their voices are genuinely heard and translated into policy, rather than just being a token gesture.