Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 7: Vietnam Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Dr Vu Hai Quan, currently on India visit as a part of President To Lam led high level delegation, called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh here and discussed collaboration in deep tech innovations.
This was followed by delegation level bilateral talks with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies,research and StartUp ecosystems.
The discussions focused on advancing collaboration in Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, deep technologies, semiconductors, robotics, biotechnology, digital technologies and innovation-led research, while also strengthening institutional mechanisms between the two countries in science and technology.
Welcoming the Vietnamese delegation, Dr. Jitendra Singh described India and Vietnam as civilizational partners connected by nearly two thousand years of shared cultural and historical linkages. He said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries has gained new momentum over the last decade and acquired greater depth following the visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to India in August 2024.
The Minister said Vietnam remains an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, adding that the growing India-ASEAN engagement in science, technology and innovation provides a strong foundation for collaborative research, innovation and technology-driven growth. He said the present engagement offers an important opportunity to further elevate bilateral cooperation in frontier areas of science and technology.
Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to India’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem and proposed stronger engagement between startups, innovators and research institutions of the two countries. He said India and Vietnam can work together to create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and young researchers in emerging technology sectors.
The Minister also referred to Vietnam’s active participation in India-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation programmes. Around ten researchers from Vietnam have availed fellowships under the India-ASEAN Research and Training Fellowship programme, while several joint projects are currently underway in different domains of science and technology. Vietnamese innovators and women scientists have also participated in innovation and scientific forums organised under regional cooperation frameworks.
The two sides discussed the proposed next India-Vietnam Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) and reviewed preparations for advancing bilateral engagement in science, technology and innovation through structured institutional cooperation.
Prof. Dr. Vu Hai Quan welcomed the growing engagement between the two countries in science and technology and expressed Vietnam’s interest in developing structured collaboration in deep technologies with practical applications and societal benefits. He proposed nomination of dedicated nodal points from both Ministries for regular coordination and preparation of a concrete action plan to translate bilateral initiatives into implementable outcomes.
The Vietnamese Minister also supported continuation of the Joint Committee mechanism between the two Ministries and informed that Vietnam would nominate a Deputy Minister-level representative to coordinate future engagements with the Indian side.
During the discussions, both sides also exchanged views on cooperation in Artificial Intelligence missions, cybersecurity frameworks, innovation ecosystems and technology transfer initiatives. India expressed readiness to share its experiences and best practices in these areas.
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