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India's Science Entangled With Nationalist Agendas, Report Alleges

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 13:05 GMT by ThePrint
      Locales: Telangana, Karnataka, INDIA

Hyderabad, India - February 9th, 2026 - A report released today by a Hyderabad-based independent panel alleges that Indian science is increasingly entangled with nationalist agendas, moving beyond its historical relationship with state interests to a level that stifles transparency and critical evaluation. The report, titled 'Science, Public and Nation: A Review of Science Governance in India,' highlights concerns surrounding the operational practices of prominent institutions like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bharat Biotech, suggesting these are representative of a broader systemic issue.

The panel, comprised of scientists, public health experts, and policy analysts, argues that while Indian science has never been apolitical - referencing the involvement of foundational figures like Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai in national development during the post-independence era - the current climate represents a significant intensification of this historical connection. The difference, the report contends, lies in a demonstrably decreased emphasis on open scientific practice and a surge in the promotion of narratives centered around national pride and self-reliance.

Specifically, the report critiques ISRO's increasing secrecy surrounding its missions. While operational security is paramount in space exploration, the panel claims the lack of transparency extends beyond legitimate security concerns, hindering independent assessment of mission outcomes and technological advancements. Concerns center on limited access to raw data, restricted opportunities for external peer review, and a general reluctance to address failures openly, fostering an environment where public perception is shaped more by public relations than scientific rigor. This is particularly concerning, the report states, as ISRO receives substantial public funding and its work has significant implications for national infrastructure and security.

Bharat Biotech, the manufacturer of Covaxin, India's indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, also faces criticism within the report. The panel alleges that claims regarding Covaxin's efficacy during the pandemic were often presented without sufficient supporting data or independent verification. The report does not question the vaccine's overall safety or contribution to India's pandemic response, but rather focuses on the manner in which its effectiveness was communicated. The report points to what it calls a "rush to national acclaim" which seemed to prioritize positive messaging over rigorous, transparent scientific evaluation. This, the panel argues, created a climate of mistrust and fueled vaccine hesitancy among some segments of the population.

"We aren't singling out ISRO or Bharat Biotech," explained Anika Sharma, one of the report's lead authors, during a press conference earlier today. "These institutions are simply reflecting a larger trend - a growing tendency to frame scientific endeavors as national triumphs, emphasizing 'Indian-ness' and presenting uniquely Indian solutions without subjecting them to the same level of scrutiny as internationally developed technologies or research." This focus on 'Indian' solutions, Sharma argues, can inadvertently stifle innovation and hinder collaboration with global scientific communities.

The report delves into the ethical implications of prioritizing nationalistic narratives over scientific objectivity. The panel warns that this approach can lead to flawed decision-making, misallocation of resources, and a erosion of public trust in scientific institutions. It further cautions that the increasing politicization of science could discourage critical thinking and limit the ability of scientists to challenge established norms or raise concerns about potential risks.

Recommendations outlined in the report include a re-evaluation of science governance structures, with a focus on increasing transparency, strengthening peer review processes, and fostering greater collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public. The panel calls for a robust mechanism for independent oversight of scientific research, ensuring accountability and preventing the undue influence of political agendas. They suggest establishing an independent scientific advisory body with the authority to publicly assess and critique government-funded research projects. Furthermore, the report advocates for increased funding for basic research, promoting a culture of scientific inquiry that prioritizes knowledge generation over immediate nationalistic gains.

The release of this report comes at a crucial time, as India continues to invest heavily in both its space program and biotechnology sectors. The panel hopes their findings will spark a national conversation about the role of science in society and the importance of safeguarding its integrity in an increasingly polarized world. The question, as the report concludes, is not whether Indian science has always been political, but whether the current intensification of that relationship will ultimately serve the nation's long-term scientific and societal interests.