India and the United States have announced plans to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, cybersecurity, semiconductors, clean energy, advanced wireless, biotechnology, geosciences, and astrophysics.
At a recent meeting, US Senator Todd Young met with the Indian Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh. Young proposed expanding collaboration and exploring avenues for partnership in a range of areas, including quantum technology, ocean science, nuclear energy, semiconductors, supercomputing, and other emerging technologies.
According to an official from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), 35 joint projects have been identified, which will be implemented by Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) and research institutions from the United States.
Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), six Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) have been selected for joint research and development projects with research institutions funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The TIHs, which consist of academic researchers and industry partners, are part of a five-year investment worth nearly US$ 430 million by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) towards the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. Young noted that the United States looks forward to greater synergy and collaboration between the Hubs and NSF.
The two sides are also monitoring progress on the ongoing Indo-US clean energy research and development programme, which is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology in India and the Department of Energy in the United States.
Furthermore, India has approved the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatories (LIGO)-India project to build an advanced gravitational-wave detector in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of IN 26 billion (US$ 31.7 million). The facility’s construction is expected to be completed by 2030. The observatory will be the third of its kind, following the exact specifications of the twin LIGO located in Louisiana and Washington in the United States. The new observatory will work in collaboration with the existing ones.
The Geological Survey of India and the United States Geological Survey have identified five potential areas for collaboration, which could be promoted through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). Also, Singh assured the Science and Technology Ministry’s complete support for Indo-US collaboration in promising start-ups in the biotech, dairy, and agri-tech sectors.
Singh pointed out that science, technology, and innovation have been areas of interest between the two sides for the past nine years. He also stated that the current government in India has been proactively seeking science-based solutions to implement social sector schemes. The country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is prioritising key scientific challenges and projects like cleanliness, the hydrogen mission, developing a digital health care system, deep ocean missions, investing in clean energy, and supporting domestic start-ups.
India and the United States have a long-standing connection and shared interest when it comes to scientific discovery and technological innovations. The two countries met in January to discuss collaborating in emerging technologies. As OpenGov Asia reported, the United States affirmed it would open new avenues of cooperation in areas like critical minerals, smart agriculture, bioeconomy, and 6G technologies.
