Project: Science and Technology Diplomacy, from the vantage point of India

Basic Understanding of S&T Diplomacy

Diplomacy is a structured approach undertaken in establishing and maintaining relationships between countries. When this organized engagement/ structured approach is anchored to science and technology, it transforms into Science and Technology (S&T) diplomacy. Some of the observed pathways for such engagement include initiatives addressing climate change - UNFCCC, the International Solar Alliance, and global partnerships on Artificial Intelligence (AI). S&T diplomacy can also be conducted through traditional diplomatic channels, where diplomats engage in discussions that foster mutual understanding and lead to signed agreements between the countries.

S&T diplomacy can be pursued with a specific goal in mind or with a broader vision for long-term impact. For instance, the Solar Alliance has a clear objective of mobilizing $1 trillion in investments for solar energy by 2030, aiming to unite countries on a common platform to achieve this goal. In contrast, the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) embodies a broader vision, where participating countries collaboratively strive to enhance AI governance and innovation without a singular end goal.

The figure below showcases a broad understanding of how S&T diplomacy will be conducted. The top sections consist of the attributes that are considered in determining the way the diplomatic engagement should be taken forward. These engagements could be either bilateral or multilateral and would result in strategic partnerships, establishing common educational or business platforms, mutually beneficial tax regimes, etc. The figure is an indicative one and is not an exhaustive identification of factors and pathways of S&T diplomacy