Tech Diplomacy 4.0

Tech Diplomacy 4.0

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States underscored the central role of technological cooperation in India-US relations. 

More on News:

• Technology was a focal point in PM’s meetings with President Joe Biden, the Quad summit, his discussions with US business leaders, and his address at the United Nations Summit of the Future. 
• The breadth of the outcomes reflects the growing significance of technology diplomacy. 

Tech Diplomacy 4.0:

It is an emerging concept that highlights the intersection of technology and international relations, recognising the growing influence of technology on global governance and cooperation. 

Definition and Importance:

Tech Diplomacy:

• Also referred to as “techplomacy,” this term was coined by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2017. 
• It involves using diplomacy to engage with the tech sector to address socio-economic, environmental, and security issues. 
• It aims to foster collaboration between governments, tech companies, civil society, and other stakeholders to shape a beneficial global technology landscape.

Addressing Global Challenges:

• As we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, traditional forms of diplomacy are often inadequate for tackling complex issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, and the digital divide. 
• Tech diplomacy offers innovative solutions by facilitating dialogue and cooperation among diverse actors.

Key Components:

• Engagement with Non-State Actors: Tech diplomacy emphasises collaboration not just between states but also with non-state actors like tech companies and civil society organisations. 
• Policy Advocacy: It seeks to bridge regulatory gaps by advocating for sound policies that address ethical concerns, privacy issues, and human rights implications associated with emerging technologies.
• Investment and Partnerships: Tech diplomacy involves attracting investments from global tech companies and fostering partnerships that can enhance local innovation ecosystems. This includes initiatives like joint research and development programs.
• Capacity Building: There is a focus on enhancing digital literacy and infrastructure in underserved communities to ensure equitable access to technology’s benefits, thereby addressing the digital divide.

Global Trends:

International Recognition:

• The establishment of tech ambassadors and envoys in various countries reflects the increasing importance of tech diplomacy in shaping international relations. 
• For example, Denmark’s appointment of its first tech ambassador marked a significant step in recognising technology’s role in diplomacy.

Inclusive Approaches:

• There is a growing recognition that tech diplomacy must include perspectives from lower-income economies to ensure equitable participation in the digital economy. 
• Initiatives like the Digital Cooperation Organisation aim to foster inclusive growth through global multi-stakeholder cooperation.

Framework Development:

• The creation of international frameworks for governance around emerging technologies is crucial. 
• This includes collaborative efforts like the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, which seeks to establish guidelines for responsible AI use.

India’s Tech Diplomacy:

Several factors like the Indian government’s focus on advanced technology development,  Washington’s search for reliable partners amid its strategic rivalry with China and Global efforts to reconfigure supply chains played a crucial role. 

• Bilateral Cooperation with the US: Modi’s interactions with US leaders have focused on technological cooperation across various sectors such as semiconductors, biotechnology, and clean energy, emphasising India’s strategic importance in global tech partnerships.
• Partnership with other Countries: India’s technology engagement now extends to key nations like France, Germany, Britain, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the European Union.
• Strengthening Domestic Capabilities: The Indian government aims to modernise its techno-industrial base through collaborations that enhance both civilian and military technological capabilities.

Phases of Tech Diplomacy:

First Phase (1950s):

• India’s pursuit of advanced technology began in the 1950s when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru prioritised acquiring cutting-edge technologies to drive economic modernisation. 
• Along with scientist Homi Bhabha, Nehru sought support from the US and other Western powers to lay the foundations for India’s nuclear and space programs. 
• The US also supported India’s Green Revolution by collaborating on agricultural technology. 
• At the time, India’s perceived status as a democratic alternative to communist China, coupled with the US’s enthusiasm for “scientific internationalism,” provided a boost to India’s technology diplomacy.

Second Phase (1970s):

• By the 1970s, India’s technological momentum began to slow. 
• Domestic economic populism, rising anti-American sentiment, growing bureaucratic hurdles, and a shift towards Moscow strained ties with the West. 
• India’s 1974 nuclear test and the subsequent tightening of the global non-proliferation regime further hampered its ability to engage in technology diplomacy. 
• The dismissal of opportunities in non-sensitive areas led US semiconductor companies to relocate to Singapore and Malaysia, while Indian scientists and engineers trained in the country’s top institutions sought opportunities abroad, especially in the US.

Third Phase (1980s):

• In the 1980s, Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi made efforts to restore technological cooperation with the US. 
• Rajiv Gandhi, in particular, emphasised telecommunications and computing, helping to rekindle bilateral collaboration. 
• However, internal bureaucratic resistance and external limitations imposed by the non-proliferation regime prevented more substantial progress.
• India’s 1998 nuclear tests initially worsened relations with the US, leading to additional sanctions. However, this also opened the door to reconciliation on nuclear issues. 
• The governments of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh worked to capitalise on this, culminating in the 2005 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. 
• Despite the breakthrough, political divisions and resistance from the scientific establishment limited its impact.

Fourth Phase (2014 Afterwards):

• The fourth phase of India’s technology diplomacy has injected fresh momentum into the partnership. 
• India prioritised digital and green technologies and expanded its focus to AI and semiconductors. 
• The strategic challenges posed by China has driven the US to deepen its defence and technology partnership with India, culminating in the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET). 
• The recent joint statement in Wilmington builds on this framework of strategic and technological collaboration.

While the fourth phase of India’s technology diplomacy has seized new international opportunities, it is imperative that India reforms its science and technology sectors to support this momentum. Without addressing internal bureaucratic resistance, the country risks achieving suboptimal outcomes in its technology-driven diplomacy.