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Inaugural Edition of Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) focuses on Strategic Autonomy and Disruptive Technologies

March 05, 2026 4 min read Science & Technology International Relations GS2 (International Relations India's Science Diplomacy) GS3 (Science and Technology Innovation)
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What Happened

  • The inaugural edition of the Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on March 5, 2026, jointly launched by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
  • The event was held as part of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 (March 5-7), India's premier annual geopolitics conference, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb as the chief guest.
  • SDI 2026 focused on three forward-looking themes: (a) Science and technology diplomacy in an era of strategic autonomy; (b) Governance of disruptive and emerging technologies (AI, quantum, advanced manufacturing, deep-tech); and (c) Evolving models of scientific and technological partnerships in a multipolar world.
  • A special emphasis was placed on engaging emerging scientific leaders and deep-tech innovators, enabling them to interact with international counterparts and policymakers — filling a gap between traditional diplomacy and innovation ecosystems.
  • The initiative featured leadership-level plenary sessions alongside focused expert roundtables involving scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Static Topic Bridges

Science Diplomacy: Concept and Framework

Science diplomacy refers to the use of scientific collaborations and exchanges to advance international relations, and conversely, the use of diplomatic channels to advance international scientific cooperation. It operates at the intersection of science policy and foreign policy.

  • The Royal Society (UK) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) identified three pillars in their landmark 2010 framework: (1) Science in Diplomacy — scientific advice informing foreign policy; (2) Diplomacy for Science — diplomatic activities facilitating international scientific collaboration; (3) Science for Diplomacy — using scientific cooperation to foster diplomatic relations and rebuild trust.
  • Science diplomacy is particularly relevant for global challenges requiring collective scientific action: climate change, pandemic preparedness, cybersecurity, nuclear non-proliferation, and outer space governance.
  • In the emerging technology era, science diplomacy has expanded to encompass technology governance — agreements on AI safety, semiconductor supply chains, and quantum computing — making it a core tool of 21st-century foreign policy.
  • India's growing S&T capabilities (space, nuclear, digital public infrastructure, pharma) have made it a more active science diplomacy actor, with DST, DBT, DRDO, ISRO, and the PSA's office all playing roles.

Connection to this news: The Raisina SDI institutionalises India's science diplomacy in a structured annual forum — embedding it within the country's premier diplomatic dialogue — reflecting the growing overlap between technology leadership and geopolitical influence in a multipolar world.

Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India

The Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India is the apex science and technology advisory position in the Government, responsible for providing integrated advice on science, technology, and innovation to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

  • The office was upgraded to Cabinet rank in 2018, reflecting the government's emphasis on evidence-based policymaking and S&T-led economic growth.
  • Current PSA (as of 2025): Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (appointed 2022).
  • Key mandates: advising on S&T policy, promoting technology missions, facilitating inter-ministerial coordination on science, and fostering public-private partnerships in research and innovation.
  • The PSA's office hosts the PM-STIAC (Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council), which brings together domain experts across sectors to advise on priority areas.
  • The PSA also coordinates India's participation in international science agreements and multilateral S&T bodies.

Connection to this news: The PSA's office co-hosting the Raisina SDI with ORF signals the government's intent to institutionalise science diplomacy as a foreign policy instrument, giving it the imprimatur of the highest S&T advisory body in India.

Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Raisina Dialogue

The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is India's premier independent think tank, established in 1990, with offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. It plays a central role in India's Track 2 and Track 1.5 diplomacy, influencing foreign policy through research, publications, and high-level convening.

  • ORF co-hosts the Raisina Dialogue annually with the Ministry of External Affairs — a signature event positioning India as a thought leader in global affairs since 2016.
  • The Raisina Dialogue draws heads of state, foreign ministers, military commanders, CEOs, and academics from 100+ countries annually, serving as India's answer to the Munich Security Conference and Davos.
  • ORF's research spans geoeconomics, cybersecurity, climate, maritime affairs, and emerging technologies — making it a natural partner for a science diplomacy initiative.
  • The ORF publishes the annual Raisina Files — a compendium of policy essays that serve as the intellectual backdrop to the Dialogue.

Connection to this news: The ORF's role as co-organiser of the inaugural SDI reflects the synergy between its track record in geopolitics research and the PSA office's science advisory mandate — combining diplomatic convening power with deep domain expertise to create a credible new platform.

Key Facts & Data

  • Raisina SDI (Science Diplomacy Initiative) inaugural edition: March 5-7, 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • Co-organisers: Office of the PSA to the Government of India + Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
  • Embedded within: Raisina Dialogue 2026 (chief guest: Finnish President Alexander Stubb).
  • Key themes: S&T diplomacy in strategic autonomy era; governance of disruptive technologies; multipolar S&T partnerships.
  • Disruptive technologies discussed: AI, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, deep-tech.
  • Three pillars of science diplomacy (Royal Society/AAAS 2010): Science in Diplomacy, Diplomacy for Science, Science for Diplomacy.
  • PSA to Government of India: Cabinet rank, advises PM and Cabinet on S&T; hosts PM-STIAC.
  • ORF: established 1990; co-hosts Raisina Dialogue with MEA since 2016.
  • Special focus: Engaging emerging scientific leaders and deep-tech innovators with international counterparts.