Senior Italian Minister Adolfo Urso, who holds multiple portfolios including Enterprises & Space and is currently on India visit, today called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh to discuss extension of bilateral cooperation.
The meeting between the two Ministers focused on advancing collaborative efforts in science, technology, innovation, and Space exploration. Dr. Jitendra Singh warmly welcomed Adolfo, emphasizing the robust foundation of Indo-Italian ties.
“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,” said Dr Jitendra Singh.
During the meeting, Italy’s interest in expanding cooperation with India across sectors such as Space technology and advanced manufacturing was prominently highlighted. Both nations recognized the potential for addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts and pioneering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
India and Italy have enjoyed a long-standing partnership in scientific research, particularly through the Synchrotron facility, Elettra, in Trieste. Indian scientists are the second-largest users of this facility after their Italian counterparts.
Since 2016, the jointly constructed diffraction beamlines ‘XRD2’ and ‘XPRESS’ have supported cutting-edge research in material science and engineering. Dr. Jitendra Singh noted, “These collaborations reflect the mutual trust and shared vision of our two nations.
The upcoming Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-2027 will further energize our partnership by funding joint research projects.”The meeting highlighted the potential for collaboration in India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the country’s achievements, saying, “India ranks third globally in terms of StartUps, with unicorns flourishing in a dynamic economy. This ecosystem provides fertile ground for Indo-Italian partnerships in entrepreneurship and innovation.
To build on this momentum, the two Ministers proposed an Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme. This initiative aims to connect startups, academic institutions, and policymakers from both countries, fostering a culture of innovation and shared expertise.
Given Urso’s role as Italy’s Minister of Space, the discussions naturally included the expanding opportunities in space collaboration. India’s thriving space tech ecosystem, supported by private capital and entrepreneurial energy, offers numerous avenues for joint initiatives.
Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “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.”
The meeting also explored potential partnerships in Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and quantum technologies. Both ministers expressed a desire to revive the dormant Industrial R&D Programme and initiate new avenues for academic and industrial cooperation, including SMEs and startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed leveraging bilateral programs to foster knowledge exchange and exposure visits. “Our focus on affordability and accessibility, coupled with initiatives like Make in India and Start-up India, provides a strong foundation for deeper collaboration,” he added.
The high-level dialogue reflects the commitment of India and Italy to strengthen their bilateral ties and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded 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.”