India and Italy commit to boost S&T ties

By Sunderarajan Padmanabhan

New Delhi: The two-day technology summit between India and Italy concluded on 30th October with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Giuseppe Conte, declaring their determination to take scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries to newer heights.

Addressing the summit, Mr Modi announced the beginning of the next phase of the India-Italy bilateral Industrial Research and Development Cooperation programme. This, he said, would help industry and research institutions to work together without any hindrance. The two countries will collaborate more on lifestyle accessories design industry, with special focus on leather and transportation and automobile design sectors.

Recalling steps taken by India in the area of science, technology and innovation, he said emphasis is being laid particularly on improving quality. “Indian space programme is the best example for this. Even Italians recognize the benefits of this. Today, India is sending satellites of various countries including of Italy at a very low cost”.

India, he said, was also working to take its identity in terms of its position as software power to the next level and steps are being taken to convert scientific temper to technological temperament. A network of youngsters is being created for this with the help of the Atal Innovation Mission.

Emphasizing that technology was increasingly becoming a part of everyone’s life, Mr Modi stressed that the aim should be ensure that technological developments did not remain within the confines of the laboratory and instead reached the public at large. “Science is universal. But, technology must be local”.

Noting that India is one of the fastest growing economies and Italy is known for its quality in manufacturing quality and scientific know-how, he expressed confidence that working together the two countries can help to address not only issues relating to them but also the challenges faced by the world through research and innovation collaboration.

Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Giuseppe Conte called for creation of world class excellence through joint initiatives in areas like health technology, renewable energy for effective solutions for common challenges. He also underlined the need for technology for innovative solutions across sectors like robotics, particle physics, astrophysics to bring about inclusive growth.

(India Science Wire)