New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – A high-level European Union (EU) delegation, led by Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Union Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, met with India’s Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi today to discuss strengthening collaboration in startups and innovation. The meeting marks a significant milestone in India-EU cooperation in science and technology.
Dr. Singh emphasized the long-standing partnership between India and the EU, which dates back to the signing of the India-EU Science and Technology Agreement in 2001. The agreement was renewed in 2015 and 2020 and is set to be extended for the 2025-2030 period.
India’s Leap in Science and Technology
During the discussions, Dr. Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his instrumental role in making India a hub of cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and driving transformative initiatives across various scientific domains. He highlighted India’s growing prominence in global scientific advancements and technological breakthroughs.
The meeting identified key areas for collaboration, including:
- Water Resource Management
- Clean Energy & Smart Grids
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data & Robotics
- Healthcare (including Vaccine Development and Pandemic Preparedness)
- Climate Change & Polar Research
Dr. Singh underscored the need to leverage the strengths of both India and the EU to enhance synergy and foster sustainable development through joint research and innovation.
Ongoing India-EU Research Initiatives
Dr. Singh provided insights into India’s substantial contribution to joint research initiatives with the EU, amounting to €20.92 million between 2020 and 2024. Notable projects include:
- Geospatial Mapping of Pollution Sources (SPRING)
- PAVITRA GANGA: Demonstration of novel wastewater treatment technologies at Kanpur and Barapullah, New Delhi
- ENDFLU: Development of an improved influenza vaccine (Myn002) for better protection against drifted influenza strains
- BRIC-THSTI: Development of domestic influenza vaccine testing capacity
- PRESCRIP-TEC: HPV awareness and screening initiatives
- RUTI®: Phase 1 trials of an anti-TB vaccine
The Minister also stressed India’s commitment to strengthening research collaborations with the EU in ocean and climate studies, with a focus on:
- Ocean warming, deoxygenation, and acidification
- Polar climate studies
- Advanced ocean forecasting
Future Prospects for India-EU Collaboration
Dr. Singh outlined promising areas for future India-EU cooperation:
- Quantum Research: India’s emerging Quantum R&D capabilities combined with the EU’s advanced quantum hardware could lead to breakthroughs in secure communication and computing.
- Bioeconomy: India’s BioE3 policy, along with the EU’s expertise, can drive growth in bio-based industries.
- Green Hydrogen: India’s large-scale renewable hydrogen projects, paired with the EU’s leadership in electrolysis technology, can transform the clean energy sector.
- Battery Technology & Blue Economy: Joint research to improve energy storage and sustainable use of ocean resources.
- High-Performance Computing: Enhancing computational capabilities for scientific and industrial applications.
AI and Healthcare Collaborations
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s National AI Mission as a key area for collaboration. With substantial funding, the initiative aims to ensure AI development is sustainable, secure, and inclusive. India and the EU are poised to lead AI safety and security efforts globally.
In the healthcare sector, the discussions focused on:
- Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases
- Novel Therapeutics and Biologicals
- Drug Repurposing
- AI in Healthcare
- Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- One Health Approach
EU Delegation Participation
Key members of the EU delegation included:
- Mr. Marc Lemaître, Director-General, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation
- Ms. Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit, Innovation, Prosperity, and International Cooperation
- Ms. Sophie Alexandrova, Deputy Head of Cabinet, Commissioner’s Office
- Mr. Ivan Dimov, Member of Cabinet
- Mr. Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor & Head of Research & Innovation Section
- Dr. Vivek Dham, Policy Officer, Research & Innovation Section, EU Delegation to India
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to deepening scientific and technological collaboration with the European Union. He expressed optimism that the shared vision for innovation-driven partnerships would contribute to addressing global challenges and advancing mutual interests in science, technology, and sustainable development.
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