The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation have announced a partnership for the inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative, to be held alongside the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi in March 2026. The initiative will create a dedicated platform to discuss the growing intersection of science, technology and diplomacy, with a focus on strategic autonomy, emerging technologies and global scientific partnerships.
Key Partnership
The initiative was jointly announced by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood and ORF President Dr. Samir Saran. Senior officials from both institutions were present during the meeting at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser. The collaboration aims to build a structured forum for high-level dialogue on science and technology diplomacy.
Purpose of the Initiative
The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative will be part of the Raisina Dialogue and is expected to bring together scientists, diplomats, policymakers and industry leaders. Its objective is to generate actionable insights on how science and technology can shape foreign policy, international cooperation and global governance.
Core Themes
The initiative will examine several contemporary issues, including:
- Science and technology diplomacy in an era of strategic autonomy.
- Governance of disruptive and emerging technologies.
- Technology control regimes and research security.
- Equitable participation in global standards-setting and regulatory processes.
- Scientific and technological partnerships in a multipolar world.
Significance for India
Special emphasis will be placed on engaging emerging scientific leaders and deep-tech innovators. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s role in global science diplomacy and provide a platform for perspectives from the Global South. It will include plenary sessions and focused expert roundtables on pressing questions in science diplomacy.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026