India and the United Kingdom reviewed ongoing scientific partnerships and discussed expanding cooperation in emerging technologies, biotechnology, healthcare research and industrial innovation during the 8th India-UK Science and Innovation Council (SIC) Meeting held in New Delhi.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh and UK Secretary of State Jonathan Reynolds, along with senior officials and representatives from the research and innovation sectors of both countries.
Discussions focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, supporting joint research programmes and accelerating the development of technologies with practical applications.
India–UK Genomics Centre of Excellence Inaugurated
A key development during the meeting was the joint inauguration of the BRIC-CDFD-ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence by Dr. Jitendra Singh and Jonathan Reynolds.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Director General of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC); Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam, Director, BRIC-CDFD; and Nick Keher, Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
The initiative forms part of the broader scientific collaboration between India and the UK, particularly in genomics and biotechnology.
Healthcare and Antimicrobial Resistance Among Research Priorities
Healthcare and antimicrobial resistance were identified among the areas of ongoing joint research involving Indian and UK institutions.
The cooperation also covers biotechnology, agriculture, climate science, geohazards and advanced manufacturing, reflecting the range of scientific challenges being addressed through bilateral partnerships.
Both countries are pursuing opportunities to connect research institutions, universities and industry to support the development and application of scientific innovations.
Eight Joint Industrial Research Projects Under Implementation
The meeting also reviewed industry-focused research initiatives supported through collaboration between India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Innovate UK.
Under the programme, eight joint research and development projects have been agreed for support in areas including advanced manufacturing, power electronics and net-zero technologies.
The projects are at different stages of implementation and focus on developing intellectual property, technologies, industrial processes and prototypes.
Emerging Technologies Remain a Key Focus
India and the UK discussed cooperation across several strategic technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, telecommunications and biotechnology.
The discussions also covered opportunities to strengthen research capabilities and encourage technology commercialisation through closer engagement between academic institutions and industry.
The bilateral cooperation framework is supported by the India–UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding, the Technology Security Initiative and India-UK Vision 2035.
Focus on Long-Term Research Partnerships
The Council highlighted the role of continued institutional cooperation in advancing scientific research and strengthening innovation networks.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining research partnerships and supporting the translation of scientific findings into technologies and practical solutions across healthcare, industry, climate science and other priority sectors.
