India Australia Commit for Stronger Scientific & Technological Ties.

Shri Kapil Sibal, Hon'ble Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences had discussions today with Senator Kim Carr, Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research at Melbourne. Both Ministers agreed to step up scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Shri Sibal is visiting Australia as Guest of the Australian Government from February 7 to 12, 2008 and his visit is being coordinated by the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Taking note of the ongoing 21 projects under the India-Australia Strategic Research Fund, the two Ministers agreed to further strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation focussing on industrial research and development and high technology areas such as nano-composites, bio-energy, health and agricultural bio-technology, climate change and renewable energy particularly using photo-voltaic technology. They also agreed to set-up a Joint Working Group (JWG) to create a roadmap for strengthening bilateral S&T cooperation in the next six months.

During the visit, Mr Sibal met with Senator, Honb'le Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Water, and Hon'ble Robert McClelland, MP, Attorney General. He also met the Victorian Governor, Professor David de Kretser,AC: Victorian Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Innovation, Mr Gavin Jennings, MLC: and NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research, the Hon'ble Verity Firth, MP. Mr. Sibal also visited three of the Austria's group of eight Universities (University of New South Wales, University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne), amongst the leading universities of the world, as well as some of the Premier R&D institutions e.g. Wolter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, centenary Institute of Cancer and Cell Biology and Bio21 Institute.

Mr Sibal also addressed the Australia-India business council at Sydney, and invited the Australian Industry to jointly work with their Indian counterparts for accessing global market for the production of world class products at affordable prices using complimentary strengths available in two countries.

Source : Department of Science and Technology
Date : February 08, 2008