Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and a high-level Australian delegation led by High Commissioner Philip Green discussed ways to expand collaboration in science and technology between India and Australia.
Dr Singh lauded Australia for providing Earth Station tracking facility for India’s first human space mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for launch in 2025. He also offered industry tie-ups in startups, including agritech, aroma mission, and lavender cultivation.
The two sides identified green energy, environment and clean technologies, strategic and critical minerals, next-gen sustainable mining and advanced manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, marine technologies, and affordable healthcare as priority areas for cooperation.
They also agreed to enhance researcher/student exchange programs, set up joint technology incubation centers, and enhance the involvement of industry in R&D projects.
Dr Singh also proposed that IN-SPACe work with the Australia Space Agency (ASA) and facilitate joint projects with Indian space startups. ASA is extending full support to ISRO, including conducting a site survey at Cocos Island in June 2021. In January 2022, ISRO and ASA signed an Implementing Arrangement to formalise this cooperation. ISRO officials visited Cocos Island in August 2023 and carried out a frequency survey at the proposed site.
The Indian delegation included Secretary, DST, Prof. Abhay Karandikar; Secretary, CSIR, Dr (Mrs) N. Kalaiselvi; Secretary, DBT, Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale; as well as senior officers of ISRO and the Department of Atomic Energy.
