Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, called for enhanced collaboration in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation among the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Addressing the Seventh Session of the Heads of Ministries and Agencies of Science and Technology of the SCO Member States, as the representative Minister of the host country India, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed India’s readiness to work closely with other SCO member countries to address the emerging challenges in the Eurasian region. He appreciated the efforts made by each member state to enhance cooperation within the SCO.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the SCO countries face similar challenges such as food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, affordable healthcare, environmental issues, and energy access. To address these challenges, he emphasized the importance of collaborating to develop affordable scientific solutions.
The minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the global economic landscape, with science and technology playing a crucial role in recovery. He urged the scientific community of the SCO to cooperate in developing technology-based solutions for social and economic challenges.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has focused on innovative interventions for affordable healthcare. India aims to become one of the world’s leading markets for medical devices by 2047. He highlighted the importance of coordination across various sectors to make India a global center for research and innovation.
India has significantly increased its expenditure on research and development (R&D) in the past seven years, with the budget for the Ministry of Science and Technology reaching approximately ₹16,360 crore (US$2.20 billion) this year. The government has also established the National Research Foundation (NRF) with substantial funding to promote translational and interdisciplinary research.
India has made significant progress in scientific publications, start-up registrations, and the number of PhDs awarded. The country has launched flagship initiatives in areas such as Cyber-Physical Systems, Quantum Computing, Supercomputing, and Deep Ocean Mission to strengthen scientific leadership in emerging fields.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to environmental and climate issues, including the launch of the National Hydrogen Energy Mission and other initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and fulfilling 50% of energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030.
The minister expressed India’s commitment to working closely with SCO member states in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovation in a balanced and integrated manner. He emphasized the importance of implementing science and technology mechanisms for sustainable development and improving the quality of life for people.
Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the SCO’s role as a key regional organization in the Eurasian space, and India attaches special importance to promoting multilateral cooperation within the SCO. He appreciated the efforts of member states in enhancing cooperation and expressed India’s support for SCO’s initiatives in developing innovative and inclusive solutions for sustainable development in the Eurasian region.
