Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Aug 4: In a bid to deepen bilateral scientific engagement, Philippines Science Minister, designated there as the Secretary of Science & Technology, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, here today.
The meeting marked a renewed momentum in India-Philippines science and technology cooperation, anchored by the envisaged “Programme of Cooperation (PoC)” for the period 2025-2028.
The high-level discussion focused on translating the broad-based cooperation outlined in the PoC into tangible projects, with Dr. Jitendra Singh suggesting geo-spatial technologies and blue economy as immediate priority areas. These themes, he said, hold promise for impactful collaborations, especially in the context of disaster management, maritime resources and environmental monitoring.
Welcoming the Philippines’ active participation in the India-ASEAN Science and Technology framework, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that people-to-people linkages, fostered through fellowship programmes and joint events, have significantly contributed to strengthening not just regional integration but also bilateral ties.
“There is immense scope for collaboration in agricultural biotechnology, geospatial technology, and disaster risk mitigation. These can be immediate starting points for joint research,” Dr. Jitendra Singh observed, while underscoring the potential for knowledge sharing and capacity building.
He highlighted India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022, which envisions an ecosystem enabling widespread use of geospatial data across governance, academia, and business. “India aims to establish a high-resolution topographical survey and a highly accurate digital elevation model of the country by 2030. We are open to sharing our experience with the Philippines,” the Minister said.
Under the PoC, the two countries have agreed to facilitate joint research and development, exchange of scientists, capacity building programmes and the sharing of non-proprietary scientific data. Indian and Filipino research institutions will also be encouraged to submit joint project proposals annually, with a focus on creating new knowledge and commercially viable technologies.
The bilateral agreement outlines mechanisms for funding, exchange visits, intellectual property rights protection, and organizing annual joint workshops. Both sides acknowledged that the new PoC not only builds on past cooperation but also aims to respond to emerging scientific challenges with greater agility and coordination.
Dr.Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, and Dr. M.Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and senior officials from Department of Science and Technology were also present at the meeting, alongside other senior officials from both India and the Philippines.
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