India and EU Forge Stronger Science Partnership
On February 27, 2025, India and the European Union (EU) convened a pivotal meeting focused on enhancing science and technology cooperation. Held at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi, this meeting was part of a broader agenda during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Co-chaired by India’s Principal Scientific Adviser, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, and EU Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, the discussions aimed to bolster research partnerships in key sectors.
Key Participants and Objectives
The meeting featured prominent figures from both sides, including Indian officials such as Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The European delegation included Ms. Zaharieva and Mr. Marc Lemaître, Director-General for Research and Innovation. Together, they focused on strengthening India-EU research collaborations in critical areas like clean energy, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate change.
Both parties recognized the significance of the long-standing India-EU Science & Technology Agreement, originally signed in 2001 and renewed in 2015 and 2020. This agreement is set for extension through 2030, reflecting its importance in fostering joint research initiatives. The meeting highlighted notable achievements in wastewater treatment, vaccine development, and deep-sea exploration, showcasing the successful collaboration between India and the EU.
India’s Innovation Ecosystem
India’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, which ranks third globally in the creation of startups and unicorns, was acknowledged as a vital contributor to the collaboration. The discussions emphasized India’s growing expertise in renewable energy, biopharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. This recognition underscores the potential for India to play a leading role in global scientific advancements.
Moreover, the meeting explored future opportunities in emerging fields such as quantum computing, green hydrogen, and electric vehicle technology. Both sides expressed a commitment to enhancing joint funding mechanisms and increasing scientific exchange programs, which are essential for accelerating progress in these innovative sectors.
Commitment to Future Collaboration
In their closing remarks, Prof. Sood and Ms. Zaharieva reaffirmed their dedication to deepening scientific collaboration between India and the EU. They emphasized the importance of leveraging joint expertise to tackle global challenges effectively. The meeting concluded with a networking session, where stakeholders discussed actionable steps to scale up joint projects.
The ongoing India-EU Science & Technology Agreement remains a cornerstone of this strategic partnership, fostering innovation and enhancing mutual economic and technological benefits. As both regions continue to collaborate, the potential for groundbreaking advancements in science and technology appears promising.
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