Assessment of Scientific and Technical Cooperation Between Russia and India Through the Lens of the Science Diplomacy Concept

The aim of the article is to conduct a micro-level assessment of the effectiveness of Russian-Indian scientific and technological cooperation and to identify the potential for its enhancement through the instruments of science diplomacy. A brief terminological analysis of the concepts of "international scientific and technological cooperation" and "science diplomacy" is presented, outlining their essential characteristics and interrelation. The important role of scientific foundations as institutions of science diplomacy, whose activities are aimed at supporting international scientific and technological cooperation, is highlighted. India was chosen for this study due to its growing global influence in science and innovation, as well as the existing potential for expanding scientific and technological cooperation with Russia in the current geopolitical landscape. The research was conducted by surveying the leaders of Russian-Indian scientific projects that received grant funding from the RSF and RFBR (now RNF) between 2009 and 2024. The total number of such projects is 490. The overall sample consisted of 51 respondents, including 35 Indian and 16 Russian scientists. According to the results obtained, financial support is a determining factor for initiating Russian-Indian scientific and technological cooperation. Informal communication channels between scientists of the two countries play a significant role in establishing scientific ties. The main factors hindering cooperation include insufficient funding, differences in requirements (including performance indicators), and geopolitical risks. In some cases, after the grant ends, cooperation ceases or is reduced to academic correspondence, demonstrating its temporary and superficial nature. The systematization and concentration of efforts by Russia and India in the field of science diplomacy should be aimed both at supporting new scientific and technological links and at ensuring their long-term sustainability.

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