India Launches Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative 2026

India has taken a significant step towards strengthening the global interface between science, technology, and diplomacy with the announcement of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (RSDI) 2026. The initiative marks a new institutional effort to embed science diplomacy within India’s flagship geopolitical dialogue framework, reflecting the growing strategic importance of science and technology in international relations.

Institutional Partnership and Announcement

The initiative is being jointly launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation. The partnership was announced by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood and ORF President Dr. Samir Saran during a meeting at the Office of the PSA. Senior officials from both institutions participated, underlining the strategic and policy-driven nature of the collaboration.

Objectives of the Science Diplomacy Initiative

The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative aims to create a dedicated platform within the Raisina Dialogue to deliberate on the intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy. Prof. Sood highlighted that science and technology are increasingly shaping global policy choices, diplomatic negotiations, and strategic autonomy, particularly for emerging powers such as India. The initiative is designed to respond to evolving geopolitical, technological, and economic realities in a multipolar world.

Thematic Focus and Strategic Dimensions

The initiative will focus on critical dimensions of science and technology diplomacy, including governance of disruptive and emerging technologies, research security, and technology control regimes. It will also address equitable participation in global standards-setting and regulatory processes. Navigating scientific collaborations amid strategic competition and strengthening partnerships aligned with national interests will be key areas of discussion.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser advises the Government on science policy.
• Science diplomacy links scientific cooperation with foreign policy objectives.
• The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-economics.
• Emerging technologies are central to strategic autonomy and global governance.

Global Engagement and Raisina Dialogue 2026

A special emphasis of the initiative will be on engaging emerging scientific leaders and deep-tech innovators, enabling them to interact with international counterparts and policymakers. The platform will host leadership-level plenary sessions and focused expert roundtables involving scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders. The Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative is scheduled to be held alongside the Raisina Dialogue from 5–7 March 2026 in New Delhi, with outcomes expected to contribute substantively to global science diplomacy discourse, particularly from the perspective of India and the Global South.