In a significant move to enhance bilateral scientific cooperation, Italy’s Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, currently on India visit, called on Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.
The hallmark of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of cooperation by the two Ministers. The discussions between the two dignitaries centered on advancing joint initiatives in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors.
Dr Jitendra Singh recalled the bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, which culminated in the announcement of a Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029. The plan outlines a shared vision for collaborative innovation in science and technology.
As part of this vision, both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of scientific research and agreed to implement the 2025–2027 Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, aimed at fostering collaboration in critical technologies like AI and digitalisation.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to bilateral research, Dr Jitendra Singh announced the signing of the Indo-Italian Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC) for 2025–2027 on 10th April 2025 during the Joint Science & Technology Committee Meeting. Under the EPOC framework, both countries have successfully implemented over 150 joint research projects to date. The current programme includes joint funding for 10 research mobility proposals and 10 significant collaborative research initiatives across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
