NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, who oversees various portfolios including Enterprises & Space, is currently visiting India and had a meeting today with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh to explore enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The dialogue between the two Ministers was centered on strengthening collaboration in science, technology, innovation, and space exploration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh greeted Adolfo warmly, emphasizing the strong foundation of Indo-Italian relations.
“India and Italy have a dynamic history of scientific collaboration. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are actively fostering innovation and technology partnerships that benefit both countries,” Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked.
The meeting highlighted Italy’s keen interest in expanding collaboration with India in areas such as Space technology and advanced manufacturing. Both nations acknowledged the potential for tackling global challenges through joint efforts and pioneering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
India and Italy share a long-standing partnership in scientific research, particularly through the Synchrotron facility, Elettra, in Trieste, where Indian scientists rank as the second-largest users after their Italian peers. Since 2016, the jointly developed diffraction beamlines ‘XRD2’ and ‘XPRESS’ have facilitated cutting-edge research in material science and engineering.
Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out, “These collaborations reflect the mutual trust and shared vision of our two countries. The forthcoming Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-2027 will invigorate our partnership by funding joint research projects.”
The meeting also underscored the potential for collaboration within India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the nation’s accomplishments, stating, “India ranks third globally in terms of startups, with thriving unicorns in a dynamic economy. This ecosystem presents an excellent opportunity for Indo-Italian partnerships in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
To capitalize on this momentum, the two Ministers proposed an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme. This initiative seeks to link startups, academic institutions, and policymakers from both nations, promoting a culture of innovation and shared expertise.
Considering Urso’s capacity as Italy’s Minister of Space, the discussions naturally turned toward the growing prospects for space collaboration. India’s vibrant space tech sector, buoyed by private investment and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, offers numerous avenues for collaborative initiatives.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted, “India’s space industry is experiencing transformative advancements. Collaboration with Italy could hasten progress in satellite technology, deep-space exploration, and other cutting-edge areas.”
The meeting also delved into potential partnerships in Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum technologies. Both ministers expressed a desire to rejuvenate the dormant Industrial R&D Programme and explore new opportunities for academic and industrial cooperation, particularly with SMEs and startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh suggested utilizing bilateral programs to encourage knowledge exchange and exposure visits. “Our emphasis on affordability and accessibility, along with initiatives like Make in India and Start-up India, lays a strong foundation for deeper collaboration,” he added.
This high-level dialogue underscores the commitment of India and Italy to strengthen their bilateral relations and uncover new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by stating, “This partnership is about constructing a shared future driven by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Together, we can reach remarkable milestones that will benefit our nations and the world.”
