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

1. At a Glance

• Raisina SDI is a new annual track of the Raisina Dialogue, jointly run by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), focused on science & technology diplomacy. [S1][S2]
• Inaugural theme: "Strategic Autonomy and Disruptive Technologies" — addressing tech-control regimes, research security, and equitable participation in global standards-setting. [S1][S2]
• Examinable for GS-II (International Relations) and GS-III (Science & Tech); signals India's pivot to formal science diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy.

2. Why in the News

• Inaugural edition convened on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, alongside Raisina Dialogue 2026 (5–7 March 2026). [S1][S2]
• Partnership between PSA Office and ORF was first announced in 2025 ahead of Raisina Dialogue 2026. [S2]

3. Background & Evolution

• Raisina Dialogue — India's flagship multilateral conference on geopolitics & geoeconomics, hosted by MEA + ORF since 2016. [S2]
• Office of the PSA — set up in 1999; currently headed by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood (PSA since April 2022). [S1]
• SDI added in 2026 as a dedicated science-diplomacy vertical, mirroring international counterparts like GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator). [S1]

4. Core Static Facts

• Name: Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI). [S1]
• Launch date / venue: 5 March 2026, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. [S1]
• Joint conveners: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to GoI + Observer Research Foundation (ORF). [S1][S2]
• Parent platform: Raisina Dialogue 2026 (5–7 March 2026). [S1]
• Format: Closed-door, by-invitation convening of ~80 participants — scientists, innovators, diplomats, scholars. [S1]
• Co-chairs:
• Sir Peter Gluckman — President, International Science Council (ISC). [S1]
• Prof. Marilyne Andersen — Director General, GESDA (Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator). [S1]
• Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale — In-charge, Foreign Affairs Dept., BJP. [S1]
• Other dignitaries on dais: Prof. Ajay Sood (PSA), Dr. Samir Saran (President, ORF), Dr. Rudra Chaudhuri (Director, Carnegie India). [S1 (excerpt)]
• Periodicity: Envisioned as an annual platform. [S1]

5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Geopolitical / Strategic - Frames strategic autonomy in the techno-economic sphere — reducing dependence on single-source suppliers of critical & emerging technologies (CET). [S1] - Engages tech-control regimes (export controls, Wassenaar-type arrangements) and research-security norms now shaping US-EU-China-India relations. [S1]

Scientific / Technological - Targets disruptive technologies — AI, quantum, biotech, semiconductors — and India's voice in global standards-setting. [S1] - Aligns with National Quantum Mission (2023), IndiaAI Mission (2024), National Deep Tech Startup Policy.

Governance / Ethical - Highlights equitable participation of the Global South in S&T regulatory processes. [S1] - Promotes Track-1.5 science diplomacy (govt + non-govt experts).

Administrative - Institutionalises science diplomacy within the PSA's office rather than MEA, reflecting India's whole-of-government model. [S1]

6. Recent Developments (last 12-18 months)

• 2025: PSA Office and ORF announce SDI partnership ahead of Raisina 2026. [S2]
• 5 Mar 2026: Inaugural SDI convened at Bharat Mandapam. [S1]
• 5–7 Mar 2026: Raisina Dialogue 2026 edition co-hosted by MEA + ORF. [S1][S2]

7. Prelims Hooks

• SDI was launched on 5 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. [S1]
• Joint organisers: Office of the PSA + ORF (not MEA directly). [S1]
• Theme of inaugural edition: Strategic Autonomy and Disruptive Technologies. [S1]
• Co-chair Peter Gluckman heads the International Science Council (ISC). [S1]
• Co-chair Marilyne Andersen heads GESDA, based in Geneva. [S1]
• Roughly 80 participants in a closed-door format. [S1]
• Held alongside Raisina Dialogue 2026 (5–7 March 2026). [S1][S2]
• Current PSA: Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood. [S1]
• ORF President: Dr. Samir Saran. [S1]
• Sub-themes: technology-control regimes, research security, global standards-setting. [S1]
• Raisina Dialogue itself began in 2016. [S2]
• SDI is envisioned as an annual track. [S1]

8. Mains Relevance

• GS-II: "Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India" — science diplomacy as instrument of foreign policy.
• GS-III: "Awareness in fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology" — governance of disruptive technologies.
• Possible question stems: 1. "Science diplomacy is emerging as the new frontier of India's strategic autonomy." Discuss in light of the Raisina SDI. 2. Examine the governance challenges posed by disruptive technologies and India's institutional response. 3. How can platforms like the Raisina SDI advance Global South interests in technology standards-setting?

9. Related Topics to Study Next

• Raisina Dialogue — parent flagship MEA-ORF conference.
• National Quantum Mission, 2023 — disruptive-tech policy hook.
• IndiaAI Mission, 2024 — AI governance.
• Critical & Emerging Technologies (iCET) — India-US initiative.
• Wassenaar / MTCR / Australia Group — tech control regimes India joined post-2016.
• GESDA, ISC, IPCC, IPBES — comparable global S&T diplomacy bodies.
• Office of the PSA — PM-STIAC, INSPIRE, Manthan platform.
• STIP 2020 (draft Science, Technology & Innovation Policy) — domestic anchor.

10. Common Errors / Trap Areas

• Organiser confusion — SDI is convened by PSA Office + ORF, not MEA + ORF (Raisina Dialogue itself is MEA + ORF).
• Venue trap — Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), not Vigyan Bhawan or Hyderabad House.
• GESDA is based in Geneva, not Brussels; it is not a UN body.
• Peter Gluckman heads ISC, not WIPO/WHO.
• SDI is annual and closed-door, not a public summit or a one-off.

11. Sources

• [S1] Inaugural Edition of Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI) focuses on Strategic Autonomy and Disruptive Technologies — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2235538 — (tier: 1)
• [S2] PSA Office and ORF announce partnership for inaugural edition of Raisina SDI — https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2212445 — (tier: 1)