Key Details
Report: Bridging Science and Statecraft: The Raisina Science and Diplomacy Initiative 2026
Core message: Science diplomacy must evolve from scientific cooperation to a strategic framework for governing frontier technologies.
Key challenge: Technological innovation is advancing faster than existing governance and diplomatic institutions.
Focus areas: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, semiconductors, cyber-physical systems and space.
Recommended approach: Anticipatory governance, trusted partnerships, strategic autonomy and stronger multi-stakeholder cooperation.
India’s opportunity: Shape global technology governance by combining scientific capability, diplomacy and digital innovation.
Summary
Science Diplomacy Moves to the Centre of Statecraft
The report Bridging Science and Statecraft: The Raisina Science and Diplomacy Initiative 2026 argues that science diplomacy is no longer simply an instrument of international scientific cooperation or soft power. As frontier technologies increasingly shape economic competitiveness, national security, supply chains and geopolitical influence, science diplomacy must become a core component of technology governance and foreign policy.
The report contends that technological change is advancing faster than existing governance frameworks can respond. It therefore calls for more strategic, operational and governance-oriented science diplomacy that enables countries to anticipate technological risks, shape international norms and strengthen cooperation without compromising national interests.
Governing Frontier Technologies Before Risks Escalate
A central theme of the report is the governance of dual-use and disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, semiconductors, cyber-physical systems and space technologies. While these innovations offer significant economic and societal benefits, they also create new security, military, ethical and regulatory challenges that frequently extend beyond national borders.
Rather than relying on reactive regulation after technologies have been widely deployed, the report advocates anticipatory governance. It emphasises technology foresight, early-stage risk assessment, responsible innovation and international coordination during the critical period between scientific discovery and large-scale deployment, when governance interventions can have the greatest impact.
Balancing Strategic Autonomy with Scientific Openness
The report identifies an emerging tension between countries’ pursuit of strategic autonomy and the collaborative nature of scientific research. Governments are investing in domestic innovation capabilities, resilient supply chains and technological self-reliance, yet scientific progress continues to depend on international collaboration, talent mobility and knowledge exchange.
To reconcile these objectives, the report proposes trusted partnerships, selective openness, reciprocity and co-development as the foundations of future science diplomacy. It also argues that emerging economies should play a greater role in shaping global technology standards rather than remaining recipients of rules developed elsewhere.
India’s Opportunity to Shape Global Technology Governance
The report positions India as an increasingly influential participant in global science diplomacy. Drawing on experiences such as Vaccine Maitri, digital public infrastructure, the International Solar Alliance and international engagement on responsible AI, it argues that India has demonstrated how scientific capability, domestic innovation and diplomatic engagement can reinforce one another.
Looking ahead, the report calls for a more agile, inclusive and evidence-based multilateral system that brings together governments, industry, academia, startups and civil society to address the governance of frontier technologies. In this emerging landscape, India’s role extends beyond adopting global norms to helping shape the institutions, partnerships and governance frameworks that will guide technological development in a multipolar world.
What is Science Diplomacy?
Science diplomacy refers to the use of scientific knowledge, research collaboration and technological cooperationto advance foreign policy, strengthen international partnerships and address transboundary challenges. Increasingly, it also encompasses the governance of emerging technologies, helping countries develop common standards, manage shared risks and shape global rules in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and quantum technologies.
Policy Relevance
Technology governance becomes a core foreign policy function, as scientific capability increasingly shapes economic competitiveness, national security and geopolitical influence.
Anticipatory governance can reduce future regulatory and security risks by embedding technology foresight, ethical safeguards and risk assessment before frontier technologies are widely deployed.
Strategic autonomy will increasingly depend on trusted international partnerships, allowing countries to strengthen domestic capabilities while remaining connected to global research and innovation networks.
Multi-stakeholder governance is becoming essential, with private technology firms, academia, startups and philanthropic organisations playing a growing role alongside governments in setting technology standards and innovation priorities.
India has an opportunity to influence global technology governance, leveraging its experience in digital public infrastructure, vaccine diplomacy and multilateral technology initiatives to help shape international norms.
Follow the Full Report Here: Bridging Science and Statecraft: The Raisina Science and Diplomacy Initiative 2026