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

LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 543
TO BE ANSWERED ON 25-11-2005

AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA & US

543. PROF. M RAMADASS:
SHRI BALASHOWRY VALLABHANENI:

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

(a) whether India and the United States of America have signed a landmark agreement on science and technology;
(b) if so, the details of wide range of scientific and technical cooperation effected by this agreement;
(c) whether this agreement would ensure shared responsibility and equitable contributions and benefits; and
(d) if so, the details of such responsibilities, contributions and benefits?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a)&(b): Yes Sir, an Inter Governmental Agreement for Science and Technology Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the United States of America has been signed at Washington DC on October 17, 2005. This is an umbrella Agreement that provides different modes of cooperation in the course of implementation of the Agreement.

(c) & (d): Cooperation under this Agreement shall be based on shared responsibilities and equitable contributions and benefits, commensurate with the Parties' respective scientific and technological strengths and resources. Responsibilities, contributions and benefits to the Parties through cooperation activities will be on a case-to-case basis.