US-CHINA
RENEW SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY : INTERNATIONAL RELATION
NEWS: U.S.
and China renew S&T Agreement
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
The
U.S. and China extended their Science and Technology cooperation agreement,
focusing on basic research and excluding critical technologies. For India, this
renewal highlights the need to enhance its R&D capabilities and strengthen
strategic partnerships amidst global competition and geopolitical tensions.
U.S.-China S&T Agreement Renewal:
- The U.S. and China
extended their Agreement on Co-operation in Science and Technology
(S&T) for another five years. This agreement was initially signed in
1979.
- The renewed agreement
restricts cooperation to basic research, excludes critical technologies,
and emphasizes researcher safety and data reciprocity.
- The agreement includes
provisions for limiting cooperation to intergovernmental levels and to
previously identified themes of mutual benefit.
Significance of Bilateral S&T Agreements:
- Bilateral S&T
agreements facilitate joint research, the mobility of students and
scientists, institutional collaborations, and the establishment of
bilateral research centers.
- India has such agreements
with 83 countries, which helps enhance its international collaboration in
science and technology.
India’s Strategic Challenges and Opportunities:
- China’s advancements in technology,
especially in AI, 5G, and quantum computing, pose competition to India in
the global R&D space.
- India needs to deepen its
technological and research partnerships, particularly with developed
nations like the U.S., Japan, and European countries, to stay competitive.
- Growing geopolitical
tensions between the U.S. and China could offer India opportunities to
strengthen its strategic position, particularly through alliances like the
Quad.
- Deteriorating U.S.-China
relations may disrupt global trade, affecting India’s economy, especially
in terms of trade and supply chain disruptions.
India’s Path Forward:
- India must navigate the
evolving dynamics between the U.S. and China while balancing its economic
ties with China and security partnerships with the U.S.
- India should focus on
strengthening its R&D capabilities and international collaborations to
maintain competitiveness and recognition in the global technological
landscape.
- Maintaining strategic
autonomy is key, avoiding forced alignment with either of the two powers
while enhancing its influence in science and technology.
Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/113196/OPS/G0JDP2G3U.1+GH5DP3JLF.1.html