New Delhi: India and the UK today decided
to enhance cooperation in scientific research and explore
possibilities for collaboration in the space sector.
British Minister for Universities and Science David
Willets held discussions with Science and Technology Minister
Prithviraj Chavan on further strengthening cooperation in
science and research here.
Emerging from the meeting, Willets told reporters that he
also held discussions with Chavan on cooperation in the space
and nuclear research sectors.
During the parleys, Willets highlighted the work done
by British scientists in the Pressurised Water Reactors.
On cooperation in the space sector, he pointed out that
India has developed expertise in launching small satellites
and Britain was in the process of developing satellites.
"India has a robust space programme and offers satellite
launches at cheaper costs compared to those offered by western
countries," Chavan noted..
Asked whether discussions were held on any specific
areas, he said "it was too premature to talk about it at this
moment."
The two countries also agreed to launch joint research
programmes to bridge the rural/urban divide and provide
technological solutions to improve the quality of life of
rural inhabitants in both the countries.
The two leaders decided to work together on a new
initiative to encourage multi-disciplinary research
partnerships to develop the next generation of environmentally
friendly fuel cell technologies.
Willets is here as part of the delegation accompanying
British Prime Minister David Cameron on a two-day visit to
India.
During the visit, the Department of Biotechnology and
Wellcome Trust announced a 45 million pound initiative to
support the development of innovative healthcare products at
affordable costs.
PTI
