India-Croatia Bilateral Agreement in Science and Technology

Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences called on H.E. Mr Stjepan Mesic, President of Croatia; H.E. Ms Jadranka Kosor, Vice Prime Minister of Croatia and H.E. Dr Dragan Primorac, Croatian Minister of Science, Education and Sports at Zagreb on February 2, 2007.

Shri Sibal is the first Indian Minister of the present Government to visit Croatia (and also first Cabinet Minister since 1994). He is on two days visit to Croatia.

India and Croatia have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in science, education, and economy. Two sides announced setting up of a fund of equivalent to 1 million Euro for developing bilateral scientific and industrial R&D projects. It was agreed to develop bilateral cooperation in the fields of Oceanography, Pharmacology, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection. It was desired that GIS based solution for coastal applications would also be worked upon. It was agreed that both sides would encourage their scientists to participate in 7th framework programme of European Union. Indian scientists would also participate in peer review / evaluation process of Croatian national R&D projects. A copy of the Joint Declaration signed by Shri Sibal and Dr Primorac, two Science Ministers, is attached.

Shri Sibal visited Bodarski Institute, which is a major shipbuilding research institute. He also addressed senior Academicians at University of Zagreb on “Towards an Indian Knowledge Society: Prospect and Challenges”. Shri Sibal is also scheduled to visit Ruder Buskovic Institute tomorrow, which is premier Croatian multi-disciplinary R&D institute.

Source : Department of Science & Technology
Date : February 02, 2007