HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF INDIA’S TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY
FIRST PHASE: 1950S-1970S
- Nehru’s Emphasis on Technology Access: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru prioritized gaining access to advanced technologies as a key component of India’s economic modernization strategy. He believed that technological advancement was crucial for India’s development and worked towards establishing a strong foundation for science and technology.
- Collaboration with the US and Western Powers: Nehru and Homi Bhabha reached out to the United States and other Western nations to secure cooperation in nuclear and space technologies. This period also saw significant US support for India’s Green Revolution through agricultural technology partnerships.
- Factors Contributing to Initial Success: The geopolitical climate of the time, which viewed India as a democratic alternative to communist China, along with the spirit of “scientific internationalism” and “developmentalism” prevalent in the US, provided momentum to India’s technology diplomacy efforts.
REASONS FOR THE DECLINE: By the 1970s, several factors contributed to the decline in momentum. These included India’s economic populism, anti-American sentiment, increasing bureaucratization of science and technology, marginalization of the private sector, a shift towards Moscow, and India’s nuclear test in 1974. Additionally, consolidating the global nonproliferation regime reduced opportunities for technology diplomacy.
SECOND PHASE: 1980S
- Efforts by Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi: Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made significant efforts to revive technological cooperation with the US. Rajiv Gandhi’s focus on telecom and computing capabilities provided political impetus for this renewed engagement.
- Focus on US-India Technological Cooperation: The second phase emphasized exploring technological collaboration outside the constraints of the non-proliferation regime. This period aimed to rebuild ties with the US in areas where cooperation was possible despite existing limitations.
- Achievements and Limitations: While there were some notable achievements during this phase, such as advancements in telecommunications and computing, progress was limited by internal bureaucratic resistance and external constraints imposed by non-proliferation policies.
THIRD PHASE: LATE 1990S-2000S
- Impact of 1998 Nuclear Tests: India’s nuclear tests in 1998 initially worsened relations with the US, leading to sanctions. However, they also prompted Washington to seek reconciliation on nuclear issues, recognizing India’s strategic importance.
- Civil Nuclear Initiative of 2005: The landmark 2005 India-US civil nuclear initiative marked a significant step forward in bilateral relations. It aimed to facilitate civilian nuclear trade between the two countries while addressing non-proliferation concerns.
- Challenges in Implementation: Despite its potential, the civil nuclear initiative faced challenges due to deep divisions within India’s political class and opposition from the scientific bureaucracy. These internal hurdles made it difficult for India to thoroughly capitalize on the opportunity presented by this agreement.
CURRENT PHASE: MODI’S TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMACY
KEY FOCUS AREAS
- Digital and Green Technologies: The Modi government has prioritized digital and green technologies, placing them at the forefront of India’s policy agenda. This focus includes initiatives to enhance digital public infrastructure and promote sustainable development through green technologies.
- Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductors are central to India’s technological strategy. The government is actively working to establish India as a global hub for AI development and semiconductor manufacturing, with significant investments in these sectors.
- Expansion of Technological Partnerships: India is expanding its technological partnerships with several countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. These partnerships aim to foster collaboration in various advanced technology fields.
US-INDIA TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION
- Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET): The iCET is a central pillar of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. It fosters cooperation in critical and emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
- Outcomes from Recent Bilateral Meetings: Recent meetings between PM Modi and US leaders have resulted in agreements to enhance technological collaboration. These discussions have emphasized the mutual benefits of strengthening ties in technology sectors.
- Areas of Collaboration (Semiconductors, Biotechnology, AI, etc.): Collaborative efforts span various fields, including semiconductors, biotechnology, AI, quantum computing, and clean energy. These areas are crucial for modernizing India’s techno-industrial base.
GEOPOLITICAL FACTORS
- US-China Rivalry: The deepening rivalry between the US and China has prompted the US to seek capable partners like India. This geopolitical context has facilitated stronger technological ties between India and the US.
- Rearrangement of Global Supply Chains: Efforts to rearrange global supply chains have positioned India as a key player. The country aims to reduce dependency on China by becoming a reliable partner in global supply chains.
- India as a Strategic Partner for the US: India’s strategic importance as a US partner is underscored by shared interests in stabilizing the Asian balance of power and reducing economic dependence on China.
STRENGTHS
- Alignment of Domestic and External Factors: Aligning domestic policies with external geopolitical opportunities has strengthened India’s position in global technology diplomacy.
- Indian Diaspora as a Technological Bridge: The Indian diaspora in the US is a vital technological bridge, facilitating collaboration and innovation between the two nations.
- Shared Geopolitical Interests: India and the US have reinforced their partnership based on shared interests in maintaining regional stability and fostering economic growth.
CHALLENGES
- Need for Domestic Science and Technology Sector Reforms: India must implement reforms within its science and technology sectors to capitalize on international opportunities fully.
- Potential Bureaucratic Resistance: Internal bureaucratic resistance could hinder the effective implementation of technological initiatives, leading to sub-optimal outcomes.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Expanding Financial Commitments: Both nations are expected to significantly increase funding for bilateral tech agreements, potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. This financial commitment is crucial for scaling research and development in critical areas.
- Enhancing Private Sector Involvement: The Indian private sector’s pivotal role in driving the tech agenda is vital. Encouraging private companies to co-develop and co-produce will strengthen the tech value chain partnership between India and the US.
- Strengthening Defense Cooperation: Initiatives like the India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) should be expanded to include joint defense challenges and innovation funds. This will enhance bilateral defense capabilities and technological advancements.
THE CONCLUSION:
Continued efforts are necessary to optimize outcomes from these collaborations. India can ensure sustainable growth in its technology diplomacy efforts by fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure, and addressing regulatory challenges.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 “The USA faces an existential threat in the form of a China, which is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. 2021
Q.2 “What introduces friction between India and the United States is that Washington can still not find a position in India’s global strategy that would satisfy India’s national self-esteem and ambitions.” Explain with suitable examples. 2019
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Discuss the evolution of India’s technology diplomacy. How has India’s approach to technological cooperation with the United States evolved, and what are the key challenges and opportunities in this domain today?
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