Indian and European Union officials met in New Delhi recently when they explored future opportunities in areas such as quantum computing, bioeconomy, green hydrogen, blue economy, EV and battery technology, high-performance computing, and responsible AI.

The discussion was held during an India-European Union (EU) Meeting on Science & Technology Cooperation at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi.

"The meeting was part of the various sectoral meetings being held in wake of the two-day visit of H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to India along with the College of Commissioners," the Indian government said in a statement.

The meeting was co-chaired by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.

Aim Of Meeting

The meeting aimed to strengthen India-EU research partnerships and drive innovation in critical areas such as clean energy, water, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate change research.

During the discussions, both sides acknowledged the long-standing India-EU Science & Technology Agreement, originally signed in 2001 and renewed in 2015 and 2020, which is now set for extension for 2025-2030.

Partnership

The partnership has played a pivotal role in fostering research collaborations in water resource management, smart grids, clean energy, vaccine development, and climate change & polar research.

The meeting highlighted significant achievements in wastewater treatment, vaccine innovations, and deep-sea exploration, which have emerged as key areas of cooperation between the two regions.

India’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem, which ranks third globally in startup and unicorn creation, was recognized as a driving force behind the collaboration.

"The discussion also focused on India’s emerging expertise in renewable energy, biopharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing & biotechnology etc," the Indian government said in the statement.

Both sides emphasized the importance of joint funding mechanisms, increased scientific exchange programs, and stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate progress in multiple fields.

"The India-EU Science & Technology Agreement continues to play a crucial role in strengthening this strategic partnership, fostering innovation, and enhancing mutual economic and technological benefits," the statement said.