India, South Africa renew science and technology cooperation pact

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa and India have renewed an agreement to extend cooperation in the field of social innovation, astronomy, agriculture, biotechnology and indigenous knowledge systems for the next three years.

Relations between the two sides in science and technology dates back to 1995, when they signed a bilateral agreement. The instrument to implement this agreement is a programme of cooperation, which is renewed every three years.

The Fourth Programme of Cooperation was signed during the 10th Joint Committee meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation, which was attended by senior officials from both countries recently.

Deputy Director-General of South Africa's International Cooperation and Resources Daan du Toit said that India, as an emerging market economy and a prominent player in the Asia-Pacific region, was an important strategic partner and played a significant role in South-South cooperation.

"This was evident in the establishment of the India-Africa Partnership in 2008, which aims to strengthen ties between the two emerging markets," Du Toit said.

"South Africa values India's support for science, technology and innovation capacity building in Africa. Through our bilateral cooperation, South Africa and India are joining forces to put science, technology and innovation to work to advance global sustainable development," he said.

Head of International Bilateral Cooperation in India's Department of Science and Technology Dr Arabinda Mitra said India valued its historical partnership with South Africa.

"Through science and technology cooperation, both countries stand to benefit by addressing societal challenges and contributing to economic growth," Mitra said.

This year marks 20 years of successful science and technology cooperation between South Africa and India, during which 74 joint research projects have been undertaken in areas such as biotechnology, information science, astronomy, food science, technologies for rural applications, indigenous knowledge systems, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.

More than 220 South African researchers have received funding totalling 36 million Rand under the project.