The MoU will enable cooperation in mutually agreeable technology fields through specific projects

India and Israel have reached a significant milestone in their cooperation in science and technology with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Industrial Research and Development.

The agreement was signed by India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D) under Israel's Ministry of Defense in the presence of Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh.

The MoU covers key industrial sectors, including healthcare, aerospace, energy, and agriculture. It will enable cooperation in industrial R&D programs in mutually agreeable technology fields through specific projects, with a joint steering committee led by the heads of CSIR and DDR&D overseeing execution.

Additionally, specific partnerships were also discussed at the occasion, including those in the fields of hydrogen technology, aerospace technology, and the Covid-19 medication clinical trials between the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) and M/s 101 Therapeutics. During the meeting, the cooperation MoU between CSIR-IICT and M/s 101 Therapeutics was also signed.

Speaking at the event Director CSIR N Kalaiselvi provided a summary of the organisation, highlighting its technological and research prowess as well as the ongoing collaboration discussions with DDR&D, Israel in the fields of aerospace, healthcare, and energy.

Additionally, she agreed with DDR&D's intention in expanding collaboration with Israel in high technology fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum and semiconductors, synthetic biology, etc. by sharing the CSIR's priority subjects in these fields.

Later, Chief of DDR&D.Daniel Gold acknowledged the continued collaboration efforts of CSIR and his team and predicted that the CSIR-DDR&D partnership will be advantageous for the welfare of both nations. He added that DDR&D welcomed collaboration with both venture capitalists and R&D groups, as well as start-ups and businesses.

He explained that Israel has capabilities in artificial intelligence and photonics, and he welcomed collaboration with the CSIR in high technology industries, which would open the door to a brighter future.

Israeli ambassador to India Naor Gilon highlighted the accomplishment of three decades of successful diplomatic relations and close friendship between both countries, which has resulted in a strategic partnership. He added that the current CSIR-DDR&D collaboration will be a milestone in India-Israel ties and add another feather to their cap.

In his remarks, MoS Singh stated that the G20 presidency of India, the International Year of Millets, and the completion of 30 years of fruitful diplomatic ties make this a highly significant year for India's science and technology (S&T) sector.

He mentioned that CSIR has specialist laboratories in practically all of the prioritized industries, which provided assurance of the necessary ability for this collaboration. Additionally, he praised both parties for their efforts to promote India-Israel relations and welcomed the technology collaboration with Israel.