Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, who oversees several key portfolios, including Enterprises and Space, is currently on an official visit to India. During his trip, Minister Urso met with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.
The conversation focused on enhancing collaborative efforts in science, technology, innovation, and space exploration, with an emphasis on strengthening ties in various sectors.
India and Italy share a rich history of scientific collaboration, particularly in research initiatives like the Synchrotron facility in Trieste, known as Elettra. This collaboration has flourished over the years, with Indian scientists being the second-largest users of the facility, after their Italian counterparts.
The mutual commitment to cutting-edge research in material science and engineering has helped both nations achieve significant milestones. The construction of diffraction beamlines, such as ‘XRD2’ and ‘XPRESS’, has been instrumental in advancing joint research since 2016.
Speaking about the meeting, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of these long-standing partnerships, stating, “India and Italy share a vibrant history of scientific collaboration. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are taking proactive steps to foster innovation and technology partnerships that benefit both nations.”
The discussions also underscored Italy’s growing interest in expanding its collaboration with India in sectors like space technology and advanced manufacturing.
Minister Urso, with his extensive experience in space-related affairs, emphasized the potential for cooperation in India's booming space tech ecosystem, which has become a significant player on the global stage.
India’s space industry, driven by private investment and entrepreneurial energy, offers numerous avenues for joint initiatives, ranging from satellite technology to deep-space exploration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh elaborated on the opportunities for collaboration, noting, “India’s space industry is undergoing a transformative phase. Collaborating with Italy can accelerate advancements in satellite technology, deep-space exploration, and other frontier areas.” This partnership, he suggested, could pave the way for future innovations and breakthroughs in space science.
Another key aspect of the talks was the rapid growth of India’s startup ecosystem, which now ranks third globally, behind only the United States and China.
Minister Urso acknowledged this dynamic sector and expressed Italy’s interest in engaging more deeply with Indian startups, especially in technology-driven industries.
India’s flourishing unicorns and emerging entrepreneurs provide a fertile ground for Indo-Italian collaborations in innovation and entrepreneurship.
To facilitate this growth, Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed the creation of an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme.
This initiative would connect startups, academic institutions, and policymakers from both countries, fostering a culture of innovation and shared expertise.
The programme aims to encourage knowledge exchange and collaborative ventures that could help both nations thrive in the fast-paced world of technology and business.
The ministers also discussed various other potential areas of cooperation, including Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum technologies.
They agreed on the importance of revitalising the Industrial R&D Programme, which had been dormant for some time, and creating new opportunities for collaboration in research and development, particularly within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further emphasized the importance of initiatives like Make in India and Start-Up India, which have laid a strong foundation for deeper collaboration between the two nations.
He also highlighted the focus on affordability and accessibility as key principles that could guide future joint ventures.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening the ties between India and Italy, unlocking new opportunities for growth, innovation, and mutual benefit.
Both ministers agreed that the partnership between the two nations would serve as a model for global collaboration in the 21st century, built on the principles of inclusivity, excellence, and sustainable development.
Dr. Jitendra Singh aptly summed up the vision for the future, saying, “This partnership is about building a shared future driven by innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Together, we can achieve remarkable milestones that benefit our nations and the world.”
Follow us
