Policy Brief No. 229 — March 2026
Technology Policy and Diplomacy: The Indian Experience Sanjay Bhattacharyya
Key Points → Science and technology (S&T) is a key vector for economic growth and national power. → India has developed a dynamic technology policy aligned with development priorities, pursued indigenous advancement and built centres of excellence. → S&T education has trained a large pool of researchers and engineers but few institutes have attained global standards. Higher resource allocation is necessary for S&T research, innovation and diplomacy. → India’s technology diplomacy focuses on collaborations in key sectors for sustainable development to stay ahead in future-oriented domains. → Technology diplomacy has been successful in strategic areas and development priorities, including creating research ties with certain countries, attracting scientific talent in the Indian diaspora and encouraging private endowments.
Introduction India has a significant footprint in the technology landscape with global leadership in niche areas and it regards technology as a key vector for economic growth and national power (Balakrishnan 2017). Its S&T policy framework has highlighted education, research and development (R&D) and innovation while pursuing selfreliance. This has facilitated rapid growth, inclusive development and building capability in strategic areas. It has also empowered citizens and encouraged a dynamic scientific temperament. The integration of S&T policy in development priorities optimized resource allocation, enhanced capabilities and advanced governance precedence. Technology diplomacy accessed advances developed overseas and established innovation bridges for transition to markets as well as cooperation in multilateral fora.