Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 2: Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, overseeing various portfolios such as Enterprises & Space, is in India and met 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. The focus of their discussion was on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The conversation emphasized collaborative initiatives in science, technology, innovation, and space exploration.
“India and Italy are enriched by a robust history of scientific collaboration. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are actively pursuing technological and innovative partnerships that serve our mutual interests,” stated Dr. Jitendra Singh.
During their meeting, Italy expressed a keen interest in deepening collaboration with India across various areas, including space technology and advanced manufacturing. Both countries recognized the opportunities for tackling global challenges through joint efforts and developing innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Historically, India and Italy have collaborated extensively in scientific research, especially through the Elettra synchrotron facility in Trieste, where Indian scientists are the second-largest group of users, following their Italian peers. Since 2016, the development of the jointly constructed diffraction beamlines ‘XRD2’ and ‘XPRESS’ has been integral to groundbreaking research in material science and engineering.
Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “These partnerships epitomize the trust and shared vision between our nations. The forthcoming Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-2027 is set to invigorate our alliance by funding joint research initiatives.”
The meeting also emphasized the potential for collaboration within India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s accomplishments by stating, “We rank third globally in startup ecosystems, with numerous unicorns emerging in a vibrant economy. This environment is ripe for fostering Indo-Italian partnerships in entrepreneurship and innovation.”
To capitalize on this momentum, the two Ministers put forth the proposal for an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme, aiming to connect startups, academic institutions, and policymakers from both nations to nurture a culture of innovation and shared expertise.
Given Urso’s position as Italy’s Minister of Space, the dialogue naturally included expanding opportunities in space collaboration. India’s dynamic space tech landscape, bolstered by private investment and entrepreneurial spirit, presents various prospects for joint endeavors.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded, “India’s space sector is undergoing a transformative evolution. Collaborating with Italy can fast-track developments in satellite technology, deep-space exploration, and other advanced sectors.”
The deliberations also considered potential partnerships in Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum technologies. Both Ministers conveyed their interest in reviving the dormant Industrial R&D Programme and exploring new pathways for academic and industrial cooperation, particularly involving SMEs and startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh suggested that bilateral programs could be leveraged for knowledge sharing and exchange visits. “Our commitment to affordability and accessibility, alongside initiatives like Make in India and Start-up India, lay a solid groundwork for deeper collaboration,” he emphasized.
