India poised to become biggest exporter of science and technology globally

In an exclusive interaction with Bizz Buzz on the sidelines of the recently concluded India International Science Festival (IISF) in Faridabad, Uday Kumar Varma, former Secretary of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry, shared his insights on India's trajectory to become a global leader in science and technology.

Varma discussed India's potential to secure a just and equitable global dominance through its commitment to universal development. Touching upon various aspects, he highlighted the importance of science diplomacy, India's accomplishments in space exploration, and the evolving role of science in international relations

By when will India become fully sufficient in the field of science and what will be the roadmap for the same?

That is a question that begs an answer because growth, development and sufficiency is a continuing and evolving process. But there is no doubt that India’s march on this path is firm and confident. India is poised to become the biggest exporter of science and technology to the world, securing a global dominance that is just, equitable, and driven by a genuine desire for universal development.

That India will dominate the world stage in the near future is a conclusion many may find difficult to contest. Prime Minister Modi's vision of ‘one world, one future’ resonates with a commitment to a better, safer and happier planet and contemplates a different kind of dominance, where territorial or economic subjugation is not the objective. In this journey, Indian supremacy in science and technology becomes the guiding force and tenets of India factor in future global dynamics.

What is your view on IISF which has entered its ninth edition?

IISF this year in its ninth edition is celebrating the connection of people with the marvels of science, and India’s achievements in the fields of science, technology and innovation. Appropriately, therefore, the theme of the festival is ‘Science and technology Driven Nav Bharat in Amritkal.’ The sprawling exhibitions and the range of events are indeed an inspiring symbol of resurgent Bharat. The highpoint of this four day long mega event is the focus on students, young scientists, innovation, and the nexus of a common man with science. It is a very comprehensive agenda and quite relevant as well.

What is your view on science diplomacy?

Science has always been, in some way or the other, associated with diplomacy. Decades ago, there used to be diplomacy for science, when way back in 1957 CERN was set up as a symbol of international understanding on a very advanced aspect of science. Subsequently also several such projects of international co-operation were birthed as a consequence of diplomacy. International Space Station (ISS) is one such instance embracing space technology.

With science and technology increasingly touching common man’s life on one hand; and becoming a symbol of nation’s progress on the other, diplomacy of science that makes science another soft power; and science in diplomacy where science is used in carrying out diplomatic negotiations have gained currency. Science diplomacy is, thus, gaining considerable traction in modern day manoeuvres in the arena of international relations. It is likely to increasingly acquire greater space in coming years.

How did it come into being?

Historically it was always there. Its manifestation and its forms, though, have over decades undergone transformation. An increasingly integrating world and the advances in science and technology have created unforeseen opportunities for pursuing this paradigm of diplomacy.

What is currently happening on this front globally?

It is fast emerging as a new frontier where international collaboration goes beyond the conventional concepts of military or economic aid. While the developed countries have in the past used new technologies for expansion of their global clout and influence, India is fast emerging as a country willing to offer a new paradigm to international diplomacy by making science and technology an effective instrument of her bilateral and multi-lateral negotiations. An obvious example of recent vintage is India’s initiative to supply vaccines to several developing countries which needed them desperately. India, thus, emerged as a country willing to offer its science and technology capabilities as a means of co-operation and be a partner in their development with pure good will and spirit of cooperation as the guiding principle. India’s advances in space technology, and her capabilities in launching satellites have earned universal recognition. And she is well placed to sharing such technologies as a means of enlarging its arena of influence.

Where does India stand on this front?

India’s recent presidency of G20 and the remarkable focus on science and technology related agreements like the Biofuel Alliance, places India among the countries well. The current presidency of Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) also underlines India’s emerging role as a major arbiter for creating a global framework for ethical AI; and that resonates well with India’s diplomatic principles. By all accounts, India’s intent to harness science and technology as an effective instrument of diplomacy is likely to strengthen her leadership role in global matters.

Has it anything to do with scientific temper?

Notwithstanding a prevailing but erroneous perception about India being a place for superstitions and unscientific practices, the facts suggest an opposite reality. As she is shedding the burden of poverty and education is becoming universal, many of the beliefs and misinformation, mostly a legacy of colonial times, are fast transforming. As a country counted among the front ranking nations using science-based strategies in her governance and policy domain, this impression is not only fast disappearing but creating a new narrative for her. There is a renewed endorsement of the analytical and logical approach of India to her domestic issues as well as international concerns. This change epitomises the manifestation of a scientific temper.

India has proved its mettle by the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3. How has it helped the country in the field of space economy?

India’s capabilities in space technology have been acknowledged universally. She is already among very few nations who have this capability. She has been launching not only her own satellites but also of many other countries. ‘The Guardian’ of UK listed the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission as the most outstanding technological achievement of 2023. Clearly India’s emergence as only the fourth nation to successfully accomplish a moon landing, has added to her global clout. It is bound to become a forceful component of her future foreign policy paradigm.

How is Gaganyaan going to help the country going forward?

‘Gaganyaan’ will be a continuation of India’s growing capabilities in space technology. In conjunction with her Chandrayaan mission and the Sun Probe Mission, Gagayaan will be a strong endorsement and confirmation of a very dominating presence of India in this esoteric field in coming years.

India has carved its niche in the field of ocean exploration too. How do you see the future?

India is surrounded by oceans on three sides and thereby these oceans assume an unassailable significance, both as a natural resource and as a strategic resource. India has been one of the leading countries for oil exploration in deep sea with reasonable success. India's extensive coastline holds untapped potential for tidal energy generation. With the Gulf of Kutch Tidal Energy Plant as a trailblazer, India's foray into harnessing tidal currents for electricity production is a testament to its pioneering spirit.