India and the United Kingdom have taken another significant step towards strengthening their strategic science and technology partnership, with both countries exploring expanded cooperation in space research, civil nuclear energy, small modular reactors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced materials and clean energy. The discussions took place in New Delhi on October 12, 2026, during bilateral talks between Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, followed by the eighth meeting of the India–UK Science and Innovation Council.
A major development during the engagements was the joint inauguration of the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence, reflecting growing cooperation between Indian biotechnology research institutions and British technology companies. The new initiative forms part of a wider effort to connect scientific research with industrial innovation, technological development and commercial applications.
The meetings also highlighted opportunities for greater participation by Indian startups and private enterprises in strategic technology sectors. With India undertaking reforms in space and nuclear energy, both countries are examining ways to combine their complementary research capabilities, industrial expertise and innovation ecosystems.
The discussions were held against the backdrop of the India–UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding, the Technology Security Initiative and India–UK Vision 2035, which provide institutional frameworks for expanding bilateral scientific and technological cooperation.
India and UK Strengthen Strategic Science and Technology Partnership
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, held bilateral discussions with Jonathan Reynolds to identify opportunities for deeper cooperation in scientific research, emerging technologies and strategic industrial sectors.
The Indian delegation included Professor Umesh Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, and Dr. Praveenkumar Somasundaram, Adviser and Head of International Bilateral Cooperation at DST. The British delegation included UK High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron and Amanda Brooks, Interim Permanent Secretary in the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the expansion of India’s scientific and technological capabilities and the opportunities created by reforms that encourage private participation in research-intensive sectors. He emphasised that India and Britain possess complementary strengths that can support closer cooperation among government agencies, universities, research institutions, technology developers and industrial enterprises.
The discussions examined how existing institutional relationships could support new research partnerships, technological innovation and commercial opportunities. Both sides recognised the importance of moving beyond conventional academic exchanges towards collaborative projects capable of producing commercially useful technologies, industrial applications and solutions to shared challenges.
India–UK Space Cooperation to Expand Through Startups and Private Industry
Space technology emerged as a major area of discussion, particularly in the context of India’s reforms that have opened the sector to wider participation by private companies and startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh explained that these reforms have created new opportunities for private enterprises to participate in satellite development, technological innovation and commercial space activities. Greater industry involvement also allows established public research institutions to concentrate more extensively on advanced technologies and specialised scientific research.
The Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s space technology ecosystem, stating that the country now has approximately 800 space-technology startups. He proposed stronger connections between Indian and British startups, smaller enterprises and research organisations to encourage innovation, strengthen industrial supply chains and develop commercial partnerships.
The discussions covered opportunities in space science, satellite research and development, and collaboration between scientific institutions. India and Britain could combine their expertise in satellite technologies, specialised instruments and advanced research to explore applications serving scientific, industrial and societal requirements.
Closer cooperation between technology enterprises could also improve access to specialised components, engineering capabilities and international markets. Such engagement would complement India’s efforts to expand private participation in the space economy while strengthening its domestic aerospace and technological capabilities.
Small Modular Reactors Emerge as Priority for India–UK Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Civil nuclear energy formed another important component of the bilateral discussions, with both countries exploring opportunities in small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced nuclear technologies and associated industrial capabilities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s nuclear-sector reforms, including the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025. He explained that India is creating avenues for wider participation in nuclear energy and technology development, drawing upon its experience of opening the space sector to private industry.
The discussions reflected growing interest in nuclear power as a source of reliable electricity for industrial development, electrification and expanding energy-intensive infrastructure. Both countries examined the potential contribution of advanced nuclear technologies to meeting future energy requirements while supporting cleaner energy systems.
Small modular reactors are nuclear reactors designed with smaller power capacities than conventional large nuclear power plants. Their modular approach can allow major components to be manufactured under controlled industrial conditions and assembled at designated project locations, depending on reactor design and regulatory requirements.
SMRs are being explored internationally for their potential applications in electricity generation, industrial energy supply and locations where smaller generating units may offer operational advantages. Their commercial deployment, however, depends on regulatory approvals, safety assessments, technological maturity and economic viability.
For India, collaboration with British research institutions and technology companies could provide opportunities to examine reactor engineering, specialised components, industrial manufacturing and related scientific capabilities. The October 12 discussions identified potential areas for cooperation rather than announcing a specific bilateral reactor development or construction agreement.
Nuclear Medicine and Cancer Research Offer New Opportunities for Collaboration
The bilateral engagement also examined applications of nuclear science beyond electricity generation, particularly in healthcare and medical research.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s experience in the development and application of radioisotopes, including their use in medical diagnostics and cancer-related treatment. Nuclear technologies have become important tools in modern healthcare, supporting specialised imaging techniques, disease diagnosis and targeted therapeutic applications.
Radioisotopes play a role in nuclear medicine by enabling clinicians to study physiological processes and, in certain applications, deliver radiation to specific tissues. Advances in radiopharmaceutical development and nuclear medicine research continue to create opportunities for improving diagnostic techniques and therapeutic approaches.
The Minister noted that India’s expertise in these areas could complement British strengths in life sciences, medical research and healthcare technology. Cooperation could involve scientific exchanges, joint research and engagement among specialised institutions working on nuclear medicine and related biomedical applications.
The two countries also possess a history of scientific cooperation in medical research, including studies involving tropical diseases. These established institutional relationships provide a foundation for exploring new collaborative research programmes addressing contemporary healthcare challenges.
BRIC-CDFD–Oxford Nanopore India Genomics Centre of Excellence Inaugurated
A significant outcome of the eighth India–UK Science and Innovation Council meeting was the joint inauguration of the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence by Dr. Jitendra Singh and Jonathan Reynolds.
The initiative brings together India’s Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council–Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a British company specialising in DNA and RNA sequencing technologies.
The inauguration was attended by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology and Director General of BRIC; Professor Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam, Director of BRIC-CDFD; and Nick Keher, Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
The Centre of Excellence represents an important example of cooperation between an Indian public research institution and a British technology enterprise. Its establishment reflects the growing emphasis on strengthening access to advanced scientific technologies and connecting research capabilities with practical applications.
Genomics involves the study of an organism’s complete genetic material, including the structure, function and variation of DNA sequences. Modern sequencing technologies allow researchers to examine genetic information relevant to biological research, disease investigation and a wide range of scientific applications.
Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing technology is based on detecting changes in electrical signals as nucleic acid molecules pass through nanopores. The approach supports DNA and RNA analysis through instruments developed for different research and operational requirements.
The new Centre of Excellence provides an institutional platform for India–UK engagement in genomics research and technology. The inauguration also highlights India’s efforts to strengthen its biotechnology research infrastructure through partnerships with international technology developers.
Eighth India–UK Science and Innovation Council Reviews Research Cooperation
The eighth meeting of the India–UK Science and Innovation Council brought together senior scientific administrators, researchers and government representatives to review bilateral cooperation and identify opportunities for future partnerships.
The Indian delegation included Professor Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Professor Umesh Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; and Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology. Other senior participants included Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation; and Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board.
The British delegation included Jonathan Reynolds, High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, Deputy High Commissioner Ben Mellor, Interim Permanent Secretary Amanda Brooks, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner Harjinder Kang and International Director Rhys Bowen, along with other representatives of the UK’s scientific and innovation ecosystem.
The Council reviewed progress in research partnerships, technological collaboration and industry-oriented innovation. Particular attention was given to strengthening connections between scientific discovery and commercial applications, ensuring that collaborative research contributes to technological development, industrial capability and solutions to societal challenges.
The meeting also examined cooperation across advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and environmental research. These areas represent a combination of established scientific relationships and emerging technological opportunities that both countries intend to develop further.
Eight Joint Industrial Research Projects Receive Support Under DST–Innovate UK Collaboration
Industry-led research and technology commercialisation received particular attention during the Science and Innovation Council meeting.
The Department of Science and Technology’s collaboration with Innovate UK supports joint industrial research and development activities involving organisations from both countries. The programme seeks to encourage the creation of new intellectual property, technological processes, prototypes and commercially relevant innovations.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, eight projects have been agreed for support under the programme, covering areas that include advanced manufacturing, power electronics and net-zero technologies. The projects are currently at different stages of implementation.
Advanced manufacturing research can support improvements in industrial processes, specialised materials, production equipment and engineering technologies. Cooperation in power electronics is relevant to electricity conversion and control systems used across electric mobility, renewable energy infrastructure and industrial equipment.
Net-zero technologies represent another important area of industrial research, particularly as countries seek to improve energy efficiency and develop lower-emission production systems. Joint projects can combine complementary research capabilities and industrial requirements to develop technologies suited to practical applications.
The eight supported projects demonstrate an existing mechanism through which Indian and British institutions can undertake collaborative industrial research. Their implementation also reflects the wider objective of moving scientific cooperation towards technological development and commercialisation.
Artificial Intelligence Cooperation to Focus on Practical Applications and Local Requirements
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the bilateral talks and Science and Innovation Council discussions, reflecting its growing importance in scientific research, industry and public services.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described AI as an essential tool for future development and emphasised that its effective application would determine the scale of its benefits. He highlighted India’s interest in developing smaller AI models suited to local requirements and available technological resources.
Smaller AI models can offer advantages where computing infrastructure, energy availability or operational requirements make the deployment of very large systems less practical. Such approaches may be relevant for applications requiring efficient processing, specialised language capabilities or deployment within resource-constrained environments.
India’s expanding digital ecosystem and engineering capabilities provide opportunities for developing AI applications across different sectors. British research institutions and technology companies bring complementary expertise in machine learning, advanced computing and scientific applications.
The discussions also recognised the importance of addressing the risks associated with emerging technologies. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into critical systems and commercial activities, questions concerning reliability, security and responsible deployment require continued attention.
Jonathan Reynolds identified artificial intelligence as a priority for Britain’s forthcoming G20 Presidency and welcomed further engagement with India on technological innovation and productivity.
Quantum Technologies, Advanced Sensors and Gravimeters Form Part of Research Agenda
Quantum technologies emerged as another area offering opportunities for deeper India–UK scientific collaboration.
The discussions covered potential cooperation in quantum research, advanced sensors, gravimeters and related technological applications. These fields combine fundamental scientific research with the development of instruments capable of performing highly precise measurements.
Quantum technologies examine and utilise properties of quantum systems for applications in areas such as computing, communication and sensing. Research in these fields involves complex scientific challenges requiring specialised expertise, advanced laboratory facilities and sustained technological development.
Advanced gravimeters measure variations in gravitational acceleration and can support applications in geophysics, geodesy and scientific research. Precision measurement technologies also have potential connections with navigation, Earth observation and other space-related scientific activities.
The two countries discussed opportunities to connect such research with geospatial applications and space science. Collaboration between specialised institutions could support the development of advanced instruments while strengthening scientific expertise in precision sensing and measurement technologies.
By bringing together fundamental research and potential industrial applications, quantum and sensing technologies represent an area where long-term scientific partnerships can contribute to future technological capabilities.
Cyber-Physical Systems and Cybersecurity Gain Importance in Bilateral Talks
India and Britain also discussed cyber-physical systems and cybersecurity as emerging technologies become more closely integrated into industrial and critical infrastructure.
Cyber-physical systems combine physical equipment with computing, communication and control technologies. They form an important part of modern industrial automation, intelligent infrastructure, connected machinery and technologically advanced manufacturing environments.
The increasing integration of digital systems with physical operations creates opportunities for improved efficiency, monitoring and automation. However, it also introduces new security requirements because weaknesses in software, networks or connected equipment can affect the functioning of physical infrastructure.
The bilateral discussions recognised the importance of cybersecurity in supporting the safe and reliable deployment of advanced technologies. Secure computing systems, dependable communication networks and appropriate safeguards are particularly important when emerging technologies are used in critical applications.
India and Britain can draw upon their respective research capabilities to explore technological solutions and strengthen institutional cooperation in these areas. The discussions reflected a shared interest in ensuring that technological advancement is accompanied by appropriate attention to security and operational reliability.
Semiconductors, Critical Minerals and Advanced Materials Offer Industrial Research Opportunities
The Science and Innovation Council identified semiconductors, critical minerals and advanced materials among the strategic technology sectors offering opportunities for cooperation.
Semiconductor technologies form the foundation of modern electronic systems, including computers, telecommunications equipment, industrial control systems and advanced scientific instruments. Their development depends on specialised materials, complex manufacturing processes, research capabilities and reliable supply chains.
Critical minerals are important inputs for several advanced technologies, including batteries, electronics, renewable energy equipment and specialised industrial applications. Research involving these materials can contribute to improved processing technologies, material efficiency and the development of alternatives suited to different industrial requirements.
Advanced materials research focuses on developing substances with particular mechanical, electrical, thermal or chemical properties. Such materials can support innovation in aerospace engineering, electronics, energy systems and precision manufacturing.
The inclusion of these sectors in the bilateral agenda reflects the growing importance of connecting scientific research with strategic industrial capabilities. Cooperation among universities, laboratories and industry can support technological innovation while strengthening the research and manufacturing ecosystems of both countries.
Telecommunications and Net-Zero Technologies Strengthen Innovation Partnership
Telecommunications and net-zero technologies also featured in the Science and Innovation Council’s cooperation agenda.
Modern telecommunications infrastructure depends on advances in electronics, software, communications engineering and network technologies. Continued research is important for improving network performance, reliability and the development of new digital applications.
India’s large telecommunications market and expanding domestic technology capabilities provide opportunities for practical innovation, while British research expertise can support specialised scientific and engineering development.
Net-zero technologies represent another important area for collaboration, particularly in relation to industrial efficiency, energy systems and emissions reduction. Research partnerships can examine technological approaches that support cleaner industrial processes and more efficient energy use.
The existing DST–Innovate UK industrial research programme already includes projects connected with net-zero technologies, providing a practical mechanism for joint development activities.
The broader cooperation agenda seeks to encourage research institutions and private companies to work together on technologies with commercial potential and applications across multiple sectors.
Climate Science, South Asian Monsoon and Geohazard Research Receive Attention
Environmental and Earth system research formed an important component of the Science and Innovation Council discussions.
India and Britain have established scientific cooperation in climate science, weather modelling and research concerning natural hazards. The October 12 meeting highlighted opportunities to deepen these partnerships, particularly in areas connected with the South Asian monsoon and associated environmental risks.
The South Asian monsoon is a major component of the regional climate system and has significant implications for agriculture, water resources, infrastructure and economic activity. Understanding its behaviour requires research involving atmospheric processes, ocean interactions, climate variability and advanced numerical modelling.
Joint scientific work can help improve understanding of natural hazards associated with monsoon conditions and strengthen approaches to risk-based forecasting. Such research can support the development of more effective tools for examining the likelihood and potential consequences of hazardous weather events.
Geohazards represent another area of scientific cooperation, encompassing natural processes that may threaten communities and infrastructure. Research partnerships can contribute to improved observation, modelling and assessment techniques.
The participation of senior officials from India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences reflected the importance of environmental research within the wider bilateral scientific relationship.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Biomedical Research Remain Important Areas of Cooperation
Healthcare research continues to provide opportunities for collaboration between Indian and British scientific institutions.
The Science and Innovation Council reviewed ongoing cooperation involving antimicrobial resistance, healthcare and related biomedical research. These fields address scientific and public health challenges that require sustained investigation and the exchange of specialised expertise.
Antimicrobial resistance develops when microorganisms evolve mechanisms that reduce the effectiveness of medicines used to treat infections. Understanding and addressing this challenge requires research across microbiology, genetics, diagnostics, medicine and public health.
India and Britain possess substantial research capabilities in biomedical science, making cooperation valuable for advancing scientific understanding and developing new approaches to disease investigation.
The inauguration of the India Genomics Centre of Excellence adds another institutional dimension to the broader biotechnology relationship. Advanced genomic technologies can support biological and medical research by enabling scientists to examine genetic information with greater detail.
Together, these initiatives reflect the growing importance of biotechnology, medical research and advanced scientific instrumentation in bilateral cooperation.
Agricultural Research and Fundamental Science Expand Scope of Collaboration
The Science and Innovation Council also recognised opportunities for cooperation in agriculture and fundamental scientific research.
Agricultural science involves several disciplines, including genetics, biotechnology, soil science, crop research and environmental studies. Collaboration among research institutions can help expand scientific knowledge and support the development of technologies relevant to agricultural production and sustainability.
Fundamental science remains equally important because discoveries in physics, chemistry, biology and other disciplines often provide the foundation for future technological advances. Such research may not immediately produce commercial products, but it contributes to the scientific understanding required for long-term innovation.
The India–UK partnership seeks to maintain cooperation across both fundamental and applied research, recognising that technological development depends on sustained scientific capabilities.
Engagement between universities, national laboratories and research organisations can strengthen expertise, encourage exchanges among scientists and create opportunities for collaborative research programmes.
India–UK Technology Security Initiative Supports Cooperation in Strategic Sectors
The broader science and technology agenda builds upon the India–UK Technology Security Initiative, alongside the bilateral Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding and India–UK Vision 2035.
These frameworks provide a foundation for cooperation across strategically important technologies while encouraging closer engagement between research institutions, government agencies and industry.
The Technology Security Initiative reflects the growing importance of advanced technologies in economic development, industrial competitiveness and national capabilities. Areas such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, telecommunications and artificial intelligence require sustained investment in research, specialised expertise and secure technological systems.
The October 12 discussions examined how these existing arrangements could support additional scientific and commercial engagement. Both countries emphasised the importance of using established institutional mechanisms to identify projects, facilitate partnerships and address practical challenges.
The focus on technology translation and commercialisation also reflects a broader effort to ensure that scientific cooperation contributes to tangible technological and industrial development.
Research Commercialisation and Industry Participation Become Central Priorities
A major theme across both meetings was the need to convert scientific research into technologies, products and processes that can be used by industry and society.
Traditional scientific cooperation often concentrates on academic publications, research exchanges and institutional partnerships. While these activities remain important, India and Britain are placing greater emphasis on connecting research achievements with industrial development and commercial applications.
The DST–Innovate UK programme demonstrates this approach through joint research projects involving technological development and potential intellectual property creation. The establishment of the genomics Centre of Excellence provides another example of cooperation between a public research institution and a private technology company.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that India’s expanding innovation ecosystem offers opportunities for greater participation by startups and smaller companies. Such enterprises can play an important role in developing specialised technologies, testing new applications and bringing research-based products to market.
Jonathan Reynolds welcomed stronger institutional and commercial cooperation, highlighting the importance of regular engagement between research organisations, innovation agencies and industry representatives.
The discussions therefore placed particular emphasis on practical partnerships capable of connecting scientific expertise with technological development.
India–UK Vision 2035 Provides Long-Term Framework for Science and Technology Cooperation
The October 12 engagements form part of the broader India–UK Vision 2035, which seeks to strengthen the relationship across economic, technological and other areas of bilateral cooperation.
Scientific research and emerging technologies occupy an important place within this framework because they influence industrial productivity, energy security, healthcare capabilities and economic competitiveness.
India’s expanding research infrastructure, engineering workforce, startup ecosystem and domestic market offer opportunities for developing and deploying technological solutions at scale. Britain contributes advanced research capabilities, specialised technology companies and established innovation institutions.
Both countries recognise that these complementary strengths can support cooperation across a wide range of sectors, from advanced manufacturing and biotechnology to nuclear energy and space research.
The Science and Innovation Council provides an institutional mechanism for reviewing progress and exploring new priorities, while bilateral ministerial discussions help identify areas requiring greater policy and administrative engagement.
Together, these mechanisms support a sustained partnership aimed at strengthening research capabilities and translating scientific knowledge into practical applications.
India and UK Move Towards Deeper Strategic Technology and Research Partnerships
The bilateral talks between Dr. Jitendra Singh and Jonathan Reynolds, together with the eighth India–UK Science and Innovation Council meeting, marked an important development in the scientific and technological relationship between the two countries.
The discussions brought together a broad agenda covering space science, civil nuclear energy, small modular reactors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, cybersecurity, biotechnology, healthcare and environmental research.
The inauguration of the BRIC-CDFD–ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence provided a concrete institutional development, while the eight supported projects under the DST–Innovate UK collaboration demonstrated continuing progress in industry-oriented research.
India’s reforms in space and nuclear energy, expanding startup ecosystem and growing research capabilities provide opportunities for deeper international partnerships. Britain’s strengths in scientific research, technology development and specialised industrial innovation offer complementary resources for collaborative programmes.
The meetings reaffirmed the importance of sustained institutional engagement, stronger industry participation and closer connections between scientific discovery and commercial development.
By combining India’s expanding technological capabilities with Britain’s research and innovation strengths, the two countries are building a broader partnership that can advance scientific discovery, accelerate industrial innovation and contribute to technological self-reliance, economic development and shared prosperity.
The continued implementation of bilateral research frameworks and the development of practical industry partnerships will strengthen the foundation for long-term India–UK cooperation in strategic science and emerging technologies.
References
1. Press Information Bureau, Government of India
Ministry of Science & Technology
India–UK Bilateral Talks Explore Expanded Cooperation in Space, Civil Nuclear Energy and Emerging Technologies: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Published: October 12, 2026, 4:45 PM
PIB Release ID: 2322301
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322301
2. Press Information Bureau, Government of India
Ministry of Science & Technology
Dr. Jitendra Singh and UK Minister Jonathan Reynolds Advance India–UK Science and Innovation Cooperation at 8th Council Meeting
Published: October 12, 2026, 4:48 PM
PIB Release ID: 2322306
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2322306
3. Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
India–UK Science and Technology Cooperation and International Bilateral Research Programmes
https://dst.gov.in
4. Department of Biotechnology, Government of India
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council and International Biotechnology Cooperation
https://dbtindia.gov.in
5. Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council – Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD)
Genomics Research and Molecular Biology
https://www.cdfd.org.in
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