Dr Jitendra calls upon Shanghai nations for enhanced multilateral collaboration

New Delhi, May 19: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh called upon the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) nations to join hands for enhanced multilateral collaboration in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Addressing the Seventh Session of the Heads of Ministries and Agencies of Science and Technology of the SCO Member States, as representative Minister of the host country India, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready to work closely with other member countries of the SCO to jointly address the emerging challenges of the Eurasian region.” He appreciated the participation and the overwhelming efforts of each of the Member States to enhance the cooperation among SCO Member States.
Dr Singh said that SCO has emerged as a vital cog in transforming the multilateral cooperation in the Eurasian region in the past two decades of its existence, and India attaches special importance to SCO in harnessing this crucial cooperation in the region.
He mentioned that SCO countries are exposed to identical challenges such as ensuring food, challenges emerging due to climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, affordable healthcare, environmental issues and energy access for its people. In order to resolve these challenges, it is imperative for us to join hands to innovate affordable scientific solutions, he added.
The Union Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has focused on innovative interventions for affordable healthcare and by 2047, India aims to be one of the world’s top markets in medical devices. “India is moving along the mantra emphasized upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, and Jai Anusandhan,’ which essentially believes in the coordination of various sectors to make India a global centre of research and innovation,” he said.
“Following consistent thrust towards research and innovation, India has climbed to 3rd position in scientific publication as per NSF database. During the last 8 years, the number of registered start-ups has grown from a mere 400 to an astounding 97,000. It has also reached 3rd Position in terms of the number of PhDs, in size of Higher Education System; as well as in terms of No of Start-ups,” he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government of India, in the recent past, have launched several flagship initiatives such National Mission on Cyber Physical Systems; Quantum Computing; National Mission on Supercomputing, Deep Ocean Mission, etc to build scientific leadership in the emerging areas of science. He also reiterated that India’s commitment to environmental and climate issues remains steadfast.
“India has always expressed a deep desire to strengthen cooperation within SCO counties in this key sphere of Science Technology and Innovation which directly impacts the welfare and progress of all our peoples,” Dr Singh said.