The minister called for greater India-UK collaboration in clean and green energy areas

The UK has emerged as India’s second largest international research and innovation partner, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

The India-UK Science & Technology (S&T) collaboration was growing at a rapid pace and the joint research programme has gone from an almost zero base to close to £300-400 million now, he said.

The minister made these points during an online meeting with UK Science Minister George Freeman, wherein the two discussed Green Energy collaboration between the two countries as well as host of other issues of mutual interest.

"India UK S & T partnership covers all aspect of Research and Innovation from discovery to development to translation which is required for our nations to rise to new heights together," Singh pointed out.

Calling for greater India-UK collaboration in clean and green energy areas, Singh said four technology value chains contribute about half of the cumulative CO2 savings:

* Technologies to widely electrify end-use sectors (such as advanced batteries)

* Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)

* Hydrogen and hydrogen-related fuels

* Bioenergy

He also flagged areas like affordable biomaterials, health data science, and livestock research, neuroscience wherein officials/scientists from both sides can discuss and explore possibilities of future collaborations.

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Singh pointed out that the Newton Bhabha MoU provided an opportunity to take India UK S&T cooperation to the next level in various research areas.

He gave the examples of energy security, food and agriculture, water, health, climate change, environmental studies as well as social and cultural changes that are taking place in India.

The Minister appreciated the outcome of Newton Bhabha MoU and said he look forward to develop more much bilateral collaborations of mutual benefit with dedicated financial commitments.

During the last India UK virtual summit held during May 2021, Prime Ministers from both countries emphasized their shared commitment to an enhanced partnership in science, education, research and innovation.
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