India–Italy Strengthen Science and Technology Cooperation, Plan Joint Research Initiative for 2027
Key points
In the News
India and Italy have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation during the Second India–Italy Science and Innovation Dialogue, held in Rome on 12 November 2026.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met Italy's Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, to discuss joint research initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI), clean energy, advanced biotechnology and emerging technologies. Both countries are planning a new joint research call for 2027.
Background
India and Italy have maintained scientific and technological cooperation for several decades. Their first intergovernmental Science and Technology Agreement was signed in 1978 and renewed on 28 November 2003.
Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2023. In November 2024, both countries announced the Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025–2029) to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation, trade and technology.
Key Highlights
Bilateral Meeting: Dr. Jitendra Singh and Anna Maria Bernini held discussions in Rome on 12 November 2026.
Joint Research Initiative: Both countries are working towards launching a joint call for research proposals in 2027.
Artificial Intelligence: Cooperation will focus on AI, High-Performance Computing and Big Data.
Clean Energy: Research priorities include green hydrogen, renewable energy and energy transition technologies.
Biotechnology: Collaboration will cover gene therapy, mRNA technologies, biomedical research and biomanufacturing.
Research Exchange: Both countries aim to strengthen cooperation between universities, scientists, research institutions and technology incubators.
Existing Cooperation: More than 150 joint research projects have been implemented under the Indo-Italian Executive Programme of Cooperation.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
1. India–Italy Science and Technology Agreement: The first intergovernmental agreement was signed in 1978 and renewed in 2003. It provides a framework for joint research, scientific exchanges and technological cooperation.
2. Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPOC): The current EPOC covers 2025–2027 and supports collaborative research. It provides joint funding for 10 researcher-mobility proposals and 10 significant-research proposals.
3. Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025–2029): Announced in November 2024, this plan provides a roadmap for expanding India–Italy cooperation across strategic sectors, including science and innovation.
4. High-Performance Computing (HPC): HPC uses powerful computing systems to process complex scientific calculations and large datasets. It supports AI research, climate modelling, healthcare and advanced scientific simulations.
5. India–Italy Joint Scientific Council: The council supports the implementation of bilateral scientific cooperation and facilitates joint research initiatives between institutions of both countries.
