India-Italy Science and Innovation Dialogue Strengthens Bilateral Research Cooperation
On November 12, 2026, during the second edition of the Italy-India Science and Innovation Dialogue in Rome, Minister Anna Maria Bernini of Italy's Ministry of University and Research and Dr. Jitendra Singh, India's Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in scientific research and innovation. The meeting built upon the longstanding scientific and technological relations between the two countries, underpinned by the Agreement on cooperation in Science and Technology signed on November 28, 2003, and the more recent Memorandum of Understanding signed on April 11, 2025.
Dr. Jitendra Singh led a delegation comprising distinguished academics and scientists from leading Indian research institutions, including the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) from Hyderabad, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) from Thiruvananthapuram, National Physical Laboratory (NPL) from New Delhi, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB) from Kolkata, Qmet Tech Foundation, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Incubator and Technopark from IIT Kanpur, and IKP Knowledge Park from Hyderabad. The delegation engaged in productive discussions with Italian counterparts to explore collaboration avenues in science, technology, research, and innovation.
The parties highlighted the work of the Italy-India Joint Committee responsible for implementing cooperation activities under the Memorandum of Understanding. A significant outcome is the planned launch of a joint call for research proposals in 2027 to promote collaborative research between Italian and Indian partners. The scientific thematic priorities identified for collaboration include Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Big Data; Clean Technologies, Hydrogen, Renewable Energy and the Energy Transition; and Advanced Biotechnology and Biomedical Research, with particular attention to gene therapy, mRNA technologies, and biomanufacturing.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening connections between universities, research institutions, and innovation stakeholders to foster scientific excellence, technology transfer, and long-term partnerships. They reaffirmed their intention to maintain close dialogue on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and promote practical cooperation between their respective scientific and innovation ecosystems, aiming to deliver tangible and lasting benefits for both countries through sustainable economic and societal development.