In a major step toward strengthening Indo-Italian relations in education and scientific research, Italy’s Minister of University & Research, Anna Maria Bernini, met with India’s Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh in New Delhi. The high-level meeting, held at North Block, culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in emerging technologies and academic collaboration.
Bernini, currently visiting India, was accompanied by a senior delegation. Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also oversees the departments of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Atomic Energy, and Space, welcomed the Italian delegation and reaffirmed India’s commitment to global scientific partnerships.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties in Science and Education
The discussions focused on critical and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, biotechnology, and digital innovation. The signing of the MoU follows the broader commitment made by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil. That meeting led to the announcement of a Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029 aimed at collaborative innovation in science and technology.
Dr. Singh emphasized that this MoU builds on long-standing cooperation and aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global hub for science and technology. He confirmed the launch of the 2025–2027 Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation under the Indo-Italian Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC).
Key Features of the Executive Programme
Under the EPOC 2025–2027 framework, India and Italy will support 10 research mobility proposals and fund 10 collaborative projects across various scientific domains. Over the years, the two nations have already implemented over 150 joint research initiatives.
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s leadership in fields such as:
- Artificial Intelligence and High-Performance Computing: Strategic investments are positioning India as a leader in data science and digital technology.
- Biotechnology and Health Innovation: Notable developments include India’s DNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, HPV vaccine, Nafithromycin antibiotic, and successful gene therapy trials.
- Genome Research and Public Health: Establishment of a national genome data bank is underway to support personalized medicine and genomic science.
Sharing Traditional and Modern Knowledge
Dr. Singh also shared India’s initiative to digitize its ancient knowledge through the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)—an innovative project to preserve and protect Indian traditional medicine and practices through modern technology.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission
As Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Singh also briefed the Italian delegation on the Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to send an Indian submersible 6,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface. A trial dive up to 500 meters is planned for the coming year.
Participation of Senior Officials
The high-level meeting was also attended by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, and Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology. Their presence underlined the commitment of both nations to deepen scientific ties and institutional collaboration.
