By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, AUG 26, 2024: UNION Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired a pivotal bilateral meeting on US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce, highlighting the deepening cooperation between the two nations in critical areas of science, technology, and clean energy at Prithvi Bhavan.

Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that an Indian astronaut from the Gaganyaan Mission is set to join the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in Indo-US Space collaboration. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in securing global supply chains, especially in sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy technologies, which are increasingly vital in today's interconnected world.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the Green Hydrogen Mission as a cornerstone of India's strategy to decarbonize heavy industry, transportation, and power generation. He highlighted that this mission is crucial for driving innovation in clean technologies and achieving global climate goals. Through robust policy frameworks and international collaborations, India is poised to lead the transition to a sustainable and resilient energy future.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also revealed that the Indian government is exploring international partnerships, investing in research and development, and considering regulatory frameworks to support the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). He stated that SMRs would play a significant role in India's clean energy transition, contributing to energy self-reliance and meeting climate commitments.

Drawing parallels between India's "Anusandhan" National Research Foundation (NRF) and the United States' National Science Foundation (NSF), Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the critical roles both organisations play in advancing scientific research and innovation. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Panchamrit" climate action plan, reaffirming India's commitment to increasing non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tons and finally achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Dr. A. K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, echoed the significance of the Indo-US partnership, stating that it is not just about exchanging knowledge but about co-creating solutions that will shape the future. He emphasized the collaboration's potential to pave new paths for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Dr. Ravi Chandran, Secretary of Earth Sciences, highlighted the partnership's progress in ocean energy and Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, while Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, underscored India's focus on biomass to energy conversion and the successful implementation of first and second-generation biofuels.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar shared insights into India's progress in emerging technologies, including data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning, emphasising the strategic importance of innovation in these fields. Dr. N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, discussed India's advancements in Lithium-Ion Battery development and indigenous battery manufacturing, stressing the importance of creating sustainable and circular energy storage solutions.

The high-level US delegation led by  John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President of USA for International Climate Policy and  David Turk, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy.

The meeting concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their cooperation in emerging technologies, with mutual interests in enhancing economic growth, national security, and global leadership in technological advancements.