GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 882
TO BE ANSWERED ON 17-08-2007

AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND IRAN

882. SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
be pleased to state:

(a) whether Iran and India have entered into an agreement in the field of Science and Technology; and

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith salient features of that agreement?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES
(KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes, Sir. An inter-governmental Agreement on cooperation in the field of Science & Technology was signed in New Delhi on 25th January, 2003 between the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Government of Islamic Republic of Iran.

(b) Agreement provides for:-

1. Promoting development of cooperation in the fields of Science and Technology on the basis of equality and mutual advantage.
   
2. Development of cooperation, to begin with, in specific areas viz. Information and Communication Technology, Biotechnology, Energy Industrial Technology, Food Technology, Pharmaceutical Research, Environment and Sustainable Development.
   
3. Cooperation through visits and exchange of experts, organization of scientific and technological Seminars/Workshops, Joint Research projects, Training of S&T personnel, exchange of experience in regard to S&T infrastructure, Women entrepreneurship and technology in rural areas, etc.
   
4. Establishment of a Joint Committee for Cooperation in Science and Technology. The Joint Committee will be responsible for determining the areas of mutual interest, formulating Programme of Cooperation, considering the policy aspects and follow up the progress of the implementation of the Agreement.
   
5. Promoting cooperation between the respective organizations, enterprises and institutions relating to Science & Technology.