India and Costa Rica Explore Deeper Cooperation in Science, Innovation and Technology

India and Costa Rica have held talks to deepen bilateral cooperation in science, innovation, technology and capacity building, signalling a fresh push to expand relations beyond traditional diplomacy into knowledge-driven and development-focused sectors. According to News On AIR, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met Costa Rica’s Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications, Paula Bogantes Zamora, during his visit to Costa Rica.

The meeting focused on exploring new ideas to strengthen India-Costa Rica ties, with both sides discussing ways to make the relationship more practical and future-oriented. Margherita said in a social media post that the discussions covered support for Indian businesses in Costa Rica, capacity building and Quick Impact Projects, reflecting a shared commitment to building a stronger and more meaningful bilateral partnership.

The engagement is significant because science and technology are increasingly becoming central to India’s diplomatic outreach, especially with countries that are looking to strengthen digital capacity, innovation systems, entrepreneurship, skilling and public-service technology. For Costa Rica, cooperation with India could open opportunities in digital governance, innovation ecosystems, human-resource development and technology-led growth. For India, the talks offer a chance to deepen its presence in Latin America through practical cooperation in knowledge sectors and business engagement.

The reference to Indian businesses is also important. Costa Rica has been positioning itself as a technology- and innovation-oriented economy in Central America, and closer engagement could help Indian firms explore opportunities in areas such as IT services, digital platforms, pharmaceuticals, education technology, scientific collaboration and skill development. Capacity building, one of India’s long-standing strengths in South-South cooperation, could also become a major pillar of the relationship.

Quick Impact Projects are another area with strong diplomatic value because they are usually designed to deliver visible, locally useful benefits in partner countries. If taken forward, such projects could help India and Costa Rica convert goodwill into tangible outcomes in communities, institutions and development sectors.

The talks therefore point to a broader transformation in India-Costa Rica relations. Rather than remaining confined to formal diplomatic exchanges, the partnership is gradually moving toward innovation, business support, technology cooperation and people-centric development. As India expands its engagement with Latin America, science and technology cooperation with Costa Rica could become an important bridge for deeper economic and strategic ties.