A delegation led by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, on Wednesday called on India’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi and discussed bilateral collaboration as well as joint ventures in areas like electric vehicles, cyber physical system, quantum technologies, future manufacturing, green hydrogen fuel, and deep ocean mining.
According to a press release by the Indian government, Moe said that Canada and India relations have made great strides in recent years and have become truly multidimensional, spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill and exchanges.
He said that science and technology cooperation is one of the strategic pillars of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Academia, research institutions and industries of both countries have strong bonding and are playing the role of a catalyst in Canada-India strategic research and development partnerships.
Moe said that the relationship has grown between India and Saskatchewan, especially after opening their office in Delhi and strengthens their resolve to work with India and achieve collective growth.
Welcoming the Canadian delegation, Dr. Singh said that the 2.3 million Indian diaspora is reinforcing Indo-Canadian relations and contributing to the development of both the nations.
Noting that Canada has one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, Dr. Singh said the presence of the Indian diaspora in the Canadian Parliament and even the cabinet is a testimony of the two countries’ longstanding relations. He said the diaspora which contributes positively to both countries, would act as a bridge between the two nations, as Canada is one of the most favoured destinations for Indian students for higher education.
The Minister also informed the delegation that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India established the ‘Anusandhan’ National Research Foundation, prioritizing research in areas of technology and science to foster and revitalize the innovation ecosystem with around 60-70% participation of the private sector. He also emphasized that the Indian government is keen to welcome with open arms non-governmental organizations to contribute in the development of technology and to support them.
Dr. Singh said that India is keen to develop research collaborations with Canadian R&D institutions and technology collaboration with Canadian industries especially focusing on the following areas such as sustainable energy technologies (generation, conversion, storage and conservation), environment and clean technologies, bioeconomy, bio-based materials for different applications, food and agri technologies, affordable healthcare (including pharmaceuticals and biomedical instrumentation), technologies for advanced manufacturing, integration of AI and machine learning in all domains.
He categorically mentioned ‘Global Biofuels Alliance’ (GBA), an initiative by India as the G20 Chair last year, bringing together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels to drive development and deployment of biofuels. The initiative aims to position biofuels as a key to energy transition and contribute to jobs and economic growth.
Singh said the National Hydrogen Mission (NHM) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commemorating India’s 75 years of independence with the aim to cut down carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable sources of energy. It is a futuristic vision that can also help India to diversify its energy basket and reduce external reliance, he added.
Referring to the success of VAIBHAV fellowship program, the minister also mentioned Modi’s invitation to India’s diaspora to do research in India’s premier institutions and contribute to its progress.
Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, and senior officers were present in the meeting who briefed the Canadian delegation on India’s progress in various emerging technology sectors.
