India and the United Kingdom explored expanded cooperation in space, civil nuclear energy and emerging technologies during bilateral talks and the eighth India–UK Science and Innovation Council meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds reviewed research partnerships, industry engagement and opportunities to translate scientific discoveries into commercially viable technologies.
The ministers also jointly inaugurated the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence. The inauguration was attended by Biotechnology Secretary and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council Director General Rajesh S. Gokhale, BRIC-CDFD Director Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam and Oxford Nanopore Technologies Chief Financial Officer Nick Keher.
During the bilateral talks, Singh said India’s space-sector reforms had created opportunities for private companies, startups and technology developers, while allowing established research institutions to concentrate on advanced research.
With around 800 space-technology startups in India, he proposed stronger connections between Indian and British startups and smaller businesses to support innovation, strengthen supply chains and expand commercial opportunities.
Discussions covered space science, satellite development and research, as well as closer engagement between scientific institutions and technology enterprises.
On civil nuclear energy, Singh outlined India’s nuclear-sector reforms, including the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India, or SHANTI, Act, 2025. Drawing on the experience of opening the space sector, he said India was creating avenues for wider participation in nuclear energy and technology development.
The two sides explored cooperation in small modular reactors, advanced nuclear technologies and associated industrial capabilities, particularly against the backdrop of rising energy needs, industrial development, electrification and data-centre demand.
Singh also highlighted applications of nuclear technology beyond electricity generation, including radioisotopes, nuclear medicine and cancer-related healthcare. These offered opportunities for collaboration with British expertise in life sciences and medical research, he said.
Artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity featured prominently in the talks. Singh said India was exploring smaller-scale AI models suited to local needs and available resources.
The discussions addressed practical applications, associated risks and the importance of cybersecurity as emerging technologies become integrated into critical systems. Potential cooperation also covered advanced sensors, gravimeters and geospatial applications linked to space research.
Reynolds welcomed closer institutional engagement, research and innovation partnerships, and commercial cooperation. Referring to the UK’s space strategy, he expressed interest in advancing civil nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes through research, trade and collaboration.
He also identified AI as a priority for the UK’s forthcoming G20 presidency and welcomed engagement with India on technological innovation and productivity.
The Science and Innovation Council reviewed cooperation under the India–UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding, the Technology Security Initiative and India–UK Vision 2035. These frameworks support partnerships among research institutions, universities, industry and innovators.
Industry-led research and commercialisation were key areas of discussion. The Department of Science and Technology’s collaboration with Innovate UK supports joint industrial research and development aimed at creating intellectual property, technologies, processes and prototypes.
Eight projects have been agreed for support in advanced manufacturing, power electronics and net-zero technologies and are at different stages of implementation.
The wider cooperation agenda spans AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, biotechnology, telecommunications and net-zero technologies.
Joint research also covers antimicrobial resistance, healthcare, agriculture, climate and weather science, geohazards, advanced manufacturing and fundamental science. Weather and climate collaboration includes studies of natural hazards associated with the South Asian monsoon, improved modelling and risk-based forecasting.
The Indian delegation at the council meeting included Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood; Science and Technology Secretary Umesh Waghmare; Biotechnology Secretary Rajesh Gokhale; Earth Sciences Secretary Srinivasa Kumar Tummala; Anusandhan National Research Foundation Chief Executive Officer Shivkumar Kalyanaraman; and Technology Development Board Secretary Rajesh Pathak.
DST Adviser and Head of International Bilateral Cooperation Praveenkumar Somasundaram participated in the bilateral talks.
The UK delegation included British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, Deputy High Commissioner Ben Mellor, Interim Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks, Trade Commissioner Harjinder Kang and International Director Rhys Bowen.
Both engagements emphasised sustained institutional cooperation and stronger links between research and industry to develop practical solutions and advance mutually beneficial scientific and technological partnerships.
