International agricultural research partnerships were central to India's Green Revolution. Examine how India is now repositioning itself from a recipient to a provider of agricultural knowledge for the Global South.

India's Green Revolution was built on high-yielding seeds and know-how from international research centres such as CIMMYT and IRRI. Over more than 50 years, its partnership with CGIAR helped turn a food-deficit, import-dependent country into a major food producer and exporter [1]. India is co-hosting the CGIAR Science and Partnership Week in New Delhi from 12 to 17 April 2027 [2]. This shows India moving from receiving agricultural knowledge to providing it.

Green Revolution phase: India as recipient

• CIMMYT, IRRI and ICRISAT partnerships supplied improved varieties and breeding science [1].
• India also became a base for international research. ICRISAT is headquartered in Hyderabad, and ten CGIAR centres now work in India [1].

Repositioning: India as provider

• Institutions: The Centre of Excellence for South–South Cooperation in Agriculture in Hyderabad serves Asia, Africa and Latin America [1].
• Germplasm sharing: An Indian groundnut sample conserved and shared by ICRISAT contributed to varieties now grown in Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique and Zambia [1].
• Expertise on offer: India is offering partners its experience in climate-resilient agriculture, AgriStack (digital agriculture), mechanisation, millets and natural farming [1].
• Convening power: ICAR and CGIAR are co-organising the 2027 edition, with ICRISAT as host and 5,000+ delegates expected [1][2]. The event has been renamed "Science and Partnership Week" [1].
• Diplomacy: Sharing farm innovations with the Global South, especially Africa, is a stated priority. It supports India's soft power and its claim to lead the Global South [1].

Constraints on the provider role

• Low research spending: India spends only about 0.3–0.4% of agricultural GDP on farm research. Brazil spends about 1.8% [3].
• Dependence on CGIAR platforms: Much of India's outreach still runs through CGIAR channels rather than through its own funded programmes.

India's agricultural journey has gone from importing seeds to exporting knowledge, institutions and digital models. To make this shift last, research spending should rise towards the 1% of agricultural GDP recommended by the Committee on Doubling Farmers' Income [3]. More of India's funding should also go to South–South programmes. This would make India a lasting partner in Global South food security and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).