Takshashila Discussion Document - An Indian Approach to Technology Diplomacy

Executive Summary

The Information Age has brought the role of technology in foreign policy to the forefront. Nation-states now rely on technological growth, comparative advantages and supply chain dependencies as elements that contribute to technology’s heightened role in diplomacy. This discussion document addresses how technology can be used as a credible diplomatic plank by the Indian State to further its national and geopolitical interests through a comprehensive ‘techplomacy’ strategy.

The key takeaways from this document are:

1. The Indian state should focus on key areas of strength in its technology ecosystem, which can serve as potential tools of diplomatic leverage.

2. The concept of self-sufficiency in emerging technologies must be re-examined with the Indian state championing and fostering multilateral efforts in its tech diplomacy outreach.

3. India can learn from its neighbour, China, and its ‘techplomacy’ efforts to simultaneously increase its sphere of influence as well as grow technologically at the domestic level.

4. Major policy pushes at the ministry level, such as the appointment of a science and technology (S&T) ambassador, along with expanding the roles of existing S&T counsellors from the IFS, must be implemented.

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