A High-level Canadian Delegation led by Mr. Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan province, today called on Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and discussed bilateral collaboration as well as joint ventures in areas like Electric Vehicles, Cyber Physical System, Quantum Technologies, Future Manufacturing, Green Hydrogen Fuel, Deep Ocean Mining etc.

Welcoming the Canadian delegation, Dr Jitendra Singh said, 23 Lakh Indian Diaspora are reinforcing Indo-Canadian relations and contributing to the development of both the nations.

Stating that India has among the largest Diaspora in Canada at 2.3 million, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the presence of Indian diaspora in Canadian Parliament and even the cabinet is a testimony of our longstanding relation. He said, the Diaspora which contributes positively to both countries, would act as a bridge between the two nations, as Canada is one of the most favoured destinations for Indian students for higher education.

The Minister also informed the delegation that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India established the ‘Anusandhan’ National Research Foundation, prioritizing research in areas of technology and science to foster and revitalize the innovation ecosystem with around 60-70% participation of the private sector. He also emphasized that the government is keen on opening arms to welcome non-governmental organizations to contribute in technology development and support them.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, India is keen to develop research collaborations with Canadian R&D institutions and technology collaboration with Canadian industries especially focusing on the following areas such as Sustainable Energy Technologies (generation, conversion, storage and conservation), Environment and Clean Technologies, Bioeconomy, Bio-based materials for different applications, Food & Agri Technologies, Affordable Healthcare (including Pharmaceuticals and Biomedical Instrumentation), Technologies for Advanced  Manufacturing, Integration of AI and Machine Learning in all domains.

The Minister of Science and Technology categorically mentioned ‘Global Biofuels Alliance’ (GBA), an initiative by India as the G20 Chair last year, bringing together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels to drive development and deployment of biofuels. The initiative aims to position biofuels as a key to energy transition and contribute to jobs and economic growth.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, National Hydrogen Mission (NHM) has been launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commemorating India’s 75 years of Independence with an aim to cut down carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable sources of energy. It is a futuristic vision that can help India not only cut down its carbon emissions but also diversify its energy basket and reduce external reliance, the Minister added.

Referring to the success of VAIBHAV fellowship programme, the Minister also mentioned PM Modi’s invitation to India’s diaspora to do research in India’s premier institutions and contribute to its progress.

Mr. Scott Moe said that Canada and India relations have made great strides in recent years and have become truly multidimensional, spurred by a significant convergence of interests, mutual goodwill and exchanges.

He said, Science and Technology cooperation is one of the strategic pillars of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Academia, Research Institutions and Industries of both countries have strong bonding and are playing the role of catalyst in our strategic research and development partnerships.

Mr. Scott Moe said that the relationship has grown between India and Saskatchewan, especially after opening their office in Delhi and strengthens their resolve to work with India and achieve collective growth.

Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and senior officers were present in the meeting who briefed the high-level delegation on India’s progress in various emerging technology sectors.

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SNC/PK/PM