INDIA’S TECH DIPLOMACY: FROM NEHRU TO MODI
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States underscored the critical role of technological cooperation in India’s foreign policy.
- This visit was marked by discussions with President Joe Biden, engagements at the Quad summit, meetings with U.S. CEOs, and an address at the UN Summit of the Future.
- The emphasis on technology reflects India’s strategic objectives and the evolving nature of global alliances.
KEY OUTCOMES OF MODI’S TECH DIPLOMACY
- The initiatives launched during PM Modi’s visit cover a diverse range of technological fields:
- Semiconductors: Strengthening India’s position in the global supply chain.
- Biotechnology: Enhancing healthcare and agricultural productivity.
- Telecommunications and AI: Boosting digital infrastructure and innovation.
- Clean Energy and Quantum Computing: Addressing climate change and advancing scientific research.
- Robotics and Small Modular Nuclear Reactors: Developing advanced manufacturing and energy solutions.
These outcomes aim to modernize India’s techno-industrial base, emphasizing both civilian and military applications, which is vital for national security and economic growth.
HISTORICAL PHASES
- Nehru Era (1950s):
- Vision for Modernization: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru viewed technology as essential for economic development. He promoted scientists like Homi Bhabha to lay the groundwork for nuclear and space programs.
- S. Collaboration: The U.S. became a key partner in technology transfer, particularly during the Green Revolution, where agricultural advancements helped to enhance food security in India. The geopolitical landscape favored India as a democratic alternative to communist regimes.
- 1970s Challenges:
- Declining Momentum: Economic populism and a shift towards anti-American policies, along with the bureaucratic control of science and technology, hampered progress.
- The nuclear test in 1974 further alienated India from Western powers.
- Brain Drain: As opportunities reduced domestically, many Indian scientists emigrated to the U.S., exacerbating the loss of talent and innovation potential.
INDIRA & RAJIV GANDHI’S EFFORTS
- Revival of Cooperation: Indira Gandhi aimed to restore technology ties with the U.S., while Rajiv Gandhi focused on modernizing India’s telecom and computing sectors.
- Outcomes and Limitations: Their efforts led to some progress, but structural issues, including bureaucratic resistance and external pressures from the non-proliferation regime, limited their effectiveness.
POST 1998 DEVELOPMENTS
- Nuclear Tests and Sanctions: India’s nuclear tests in 1998 resulted in sanctions from the U.S., but also opened avenues for dialogue on nuclear cooperation, culminating in the 2005 civil nuclear deal.
- Internal Divisions: Despite this opportunity, political divisions and resistance from the scientific community hindered full utilization of the potential for collaboration.
CURRENT PHASE
- Renewed Focus (2014 Onwards): The advent of a majority government under PM Modi reinvigorated India’s approach to technology diplomacy.
Key initiatives included:
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- Digital and Green Technologies: Placing emphasis on sustainability and digital innovation as top priorities in economic policy.
- Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors: Expanding focus to emerging technologies that align with global trends and enhance India’s strategic capabilities.
- S. Recognition: The U.S. has increasingly recognized the importance of a robust partnership with India, driven by shared interests in countering China’s influence and stabilizing the Asian balance of power. This has led to expanded investments in defense and technology cooperation.
- Initiatives like iCET: The initiative on critical and emerging technologies (iCET) represents a framework for deepening U.S.-India tech partnerships, aligning with both countries’ geopolitical interests.
GEOPOLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
- Strategic Alliances: The collaboration reflects a mutual desire to build technology coalitions and reduce reliance on China, especially in key sectors like defense and technology.
- Technological Bridge: The historical brain drain from India to the U.S. has transformed into a technological bridge, fostering innovation and collaboration between the two nations.
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