Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space, held bilateral talks in New Delhi with Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. The talks covered space, civil nuclear energy, scientific research and emerging technologies. The two ministers then took part in the 8th India–UK Science and Innovation Council and jointly inaugurated the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence.
Singh said reforms in India's space sector have opened opportunities for private industry, startups and technology developers, allowing established research institutions to concentrate on advanced research and technology development. With around 800 space-technology startups in India, he proposed closer links between Indian and British startups and smaller companies, to promote innovation, strengthen supply chains and widen commercial opportunities. The talks also covered space science and satellite development and research.
On nuclear energy, Singh spoke of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025. Drawing on the experience of opening up the space sector, he said India is creating avenues for wider participation in nuclear energy and technology development.
The two sides explored cooperation on small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear technologies and associated industrial capabilities, in the context of growing energy needs, industrial development, electrification and data-centre demand. Singh also pointed to uses of the nuclear programme beyond power. India's work on radioisotopes and cancer-related applications, he said, offers scope for engagement with British expertise in life sciences and medical research, and historical research links on tropical diseases give a base for biomedical collaboration.
Discussions also took in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity. Singh said AI would be an essential tool for future development and that its effective use would be critical to maximising benefits. India, he said, is exploring smaller-scale AI models suited to local requirements and available resources. The talks addressed practical applications, the associated risks and the importance of cybersecurity as these technologies become part of critical systems.
The sides also discussed quantum technologies, advanced sensors, gravimeters and geospatial applications linked to space research.
Reynolds welcomed closer engagement and called for regular interaction between institutions, 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, including facilitating research, trade and collaboration. He said AI is a priority for the UK's forthcoming G20 Presidency.
The 8th India–UK Science and Innovation Council reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and explored ways to strengthen research partnerships, emerging technology collaboration and the translation of research into practical applications. Its agenda builds on the India–UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding, the Technology Security Initiative and India–UK Vision 2035, which provide a base for collaboration among research institutions, universities, industry and innovators.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) works with Innovate UK on joint industrial research and development projects meant to produce new intellectual property, technologies, processes and prototypes. This DST–Innovate UK collaboration has eight agreed projects, in areas including advanced manufacturing, power electronics and net-zero technologies, at various stages of implementation.
Cooperation also covers semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, biotechnology and telecommunications, besides AI and quantum technologies. Joint research spans antimicrobial resistance, healthcare, agriculture, climate and weather science, geohazards and fundamental science. The weather and climate work includes research on natural hazards linked to the South Asian monsoon, improved modelling and risk-based forecasting.
The genomics centre inaugurated by the two ministers is a joint effort of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council's Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The meeting also reaffirmed sustained institutional engagement and closer links between research, industry and innovation.
With reference to the 8th India–UK Science and Innovation Council, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
The BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence, jointly inaugurated by the two ministers, is a joint effort of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics and which one of the following?
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India sees scope for engagement with British expertise in life sciences and medical research through its nuclear programme.
Statement-II: India's work on radioisotopes and cancer-related applications represents a use of the nuclear programme beyond power.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
