New Delhi, Jan 13: A high level US delegation of the premier National Science Foundation (NSF) Friday called on Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed deeper cooperation with India in areas like Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum, Semiconductor, Clean Energy, Advanced Wireless, Biotechnology, Geosciences, Astrophysics and Defence.
According to an official statement issued to Rising Kashmir, Head of the US delegation, Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director, National Science Foundation of United States promised the Minister to carry this collaboration to the next level.
Dr Jitendra Singh told the US Delegation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last eight and half years took personal interest in Science, Technology and Innovation and tried pro-actively to implement social sector schemes through science based solutions to bring Ease of Living for Common Man.
The Minister said, the patronage received from Modi has opened new opportunities and possibilities in all areas of Scientific Endeavors, but more so in areas of Space, Biotech, Geospatial and Sustainable Start-ups.
He pointed out that since 2014, in every Independence Day speech, PM Modi has flagged key scientific challenges and projects like Cleanliness, Hydrogen Mission, Digital Health Care system, Deep Ocean Mission, Clean Energy and Start-ups.
Dr Singh said these are the best of the times for both India and America to forge a durable and strong bond for global leadership in fighting global challenges. He said, there is much of ease in the relationships and a clear sign of willingness and optimism to achieve the desirable goals.
The Minister hoped that the US will come to the aid of its natural ally (the oldest and largest democracies of the world) when it comes for technology transfer in critical areas, as there is no other option but to collaborate.
During the delegation level talks, Dr Jitendra Singh said, both the sides have already identified the sectors and collaboration is on in areas like healthcare, technology, Space, earth and ocean science and emerging technologies.
The Minister underlined that India and the United States have a long-standing connection and shared interest when it comes to scientific discovery and technological innovations and time has come to strengthen and leverage these connections for larger global good.
Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan assured Dr Jitendra Singh that the subjects identified earlier as well as brought to the fore in today’s meeting would be taken to logical conclusion. He also promised to open new avenues of cooperation in areas like Critical Minerals, Smart Agriculture, Bio-Economy and 6G technologies. He conveyed to the Minister that more joint calls would be taken from March, 2023 on identified projects.
