India and EU Strengthen Science and Technology Ties with High-Level Delegation Meeting

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.