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On Thursday, the Ministry of Science and Technology said India and Israel have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for industrial research and development cooperation, marking a considerable milestone in their scientific and technological collaboration.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology of India and the Directorate of Defence Research and Development (DDR&D) under the Ministry of Defence of Israel signed the agreement.

The partnership seeks to promote joint industrial research and development projects in diverse high-tech fields such as quantum and semiconductors, aerospace, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, healthcare, sustainable energy, etc.

The signed MoU will be executed via specific projects agreed upon by both nations and observed by a Joint Steering Committee led by the authorities of CSIR and DDR&D.

DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, N Kalaiselvi and Head, DDR&D, Daniel Gold, signed the MoU during a meeting accompanied by the Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Government of India, and Vice President, CSIR Society, Jitendra Singh. The meeting also emphasized the thriving diplomatic ties between the two countries, which have strengthened into a strategic cooperation.

During the event, detailed collaborations on hydrogen and aerospace between CSIR and DDR&D and a joint clinical trial project between CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and 101 Therapeutics for a potential COVID-19 drug were consulted and welcomed.

Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s competence in the specified focus sectors and welcomed the technology cooperation with Israel, complimenting both parties for their measures to boost the India-Israel relationship.

Overall, the signing of the agreement aims to enhance the cooperation and mutual benefits of the scientific and technological development of both nations.