India and the United Kingdom have strengthened their scientific cooperation through the 8th meeting of the India-UK Science and Innovation Council held in New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds reviewed existing partnerships and identified new areas for joint research and technology development.
The two countries jointly inaugurated the BRIC-CDFD-ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence during the meeting, marking a significant step in advancing genomic research capabilities in India.
Key facts
- Meeting held between Dr. Jitendra Singh and UK Minister Jonathan Reynolds in New Delhi on 12 October 2026
- Eight joint industrial research and development projects approved for support in advanced manufacturing, power electronics and net-zero technologies
- BRIC-CDFD-ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence inaugurated
- Cooperation covers artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, biotechnology and telecommunications
- Indian delegation included Prof. Ajay Sood (Principal Scientific Adviser), Prof. Umesh Waghmare (Secretary, DST) and Dr. Rajesh Gokhale (Secretary, DBT)
- UK delegation led by Jonathan Reynolds MP and included British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron and other officials
What the partnership covers
The India-UK science cooperation operates under multiple frameworks including the India-UK Research and Innovation Memorandum of Understanding, the Technology Security Initiative and the India-UK Vision 2035. These agreements guide collaboration among research institutions, universities, industry partners and innovators across several sectors.
Industry-led research and technology commercialisation form the backbone of the partnership. The Department of Science and Technology works with Innovate UK to support joint industrial research projects aimed at creating new intellectual property, technologies and prototypes. Eight projects have been approved for financial support and are currently at various stages of implementation in fields such as advanced manufacturing, power electronics and net-zero energy technologies.
The two countries are also focusing on emerging and strategic technologies that have military, industrial and economic significance. These include artificial intelligence, quantum computing, semiconductor design, critical minerals processing, advanced materials, biotechnology, telecommunications and net-zero or carbon-free technologies. Both India and the UK believe they possess complementary research strengths that can strengthen innovation systems and lead to technologies with practical applications.
Joint research initiatives
Beyond industrial projects, Indian and UK institutions are conducting collaborative research on challenges with direct public health and environmental impact. These include antimicrobial resistance, which threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics globally, healthcare innovation, agricultural science and fundamental physics research.
A major focus area is climate and weather science. Joint research between Indian and UK scientists concentrates on natural hazards linked to the South Asian monsoon system, improved weather forecasting models and risk-based prediction methods. This cooperation is particularly important given the monsoon’s critical role in Indian agriculture and the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Research on geohazards, earthquakes and natural disaster preparedness also features prominently in the partnership. These areas of cooperation reflect shared vulnerabilities and a commitment to developing technologies and forecasting methods that can reduce human and economic losses.
The genomics centre
The BRIC-CDFD-ONT India Genomics Centre of Excellence represents a tangible outcome of the partnership. The centre brings together India’s Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a leading UK-based genomics company. This collaboration signals India’s commitment to building world-class genomic research infrastructure and positions the country as a hub for advanced genetic and biotechnology research in Asia.
What this means for you
The partnership creates opportunities for Indian researchers and students to access advanced technologies and collaborate with UK counterparts on cutting-edge projects. Indian companies working in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and clean energy sectors may benefit from joint development projects and access to UK expertise and markets.
The focus on climate science and geohazard research could lead to improved weather forecasting and disaster prediction systems that directly benefit Indian agriculture and disaster management. Research on antimicrobial resistance addresses a public health priority relevant to every Indian citizen.
For higher education institutions, the framework enables student and faculty exchanges and collaborative research that can attract funding and enhance research capabilities.
What happens next
Both countries have committed to sustained institutional engagement between research bodies, universities and industry. The eight approved industrial research projects will continue implementation across their designated timelines. The India-UK Science and Innovation Council will likely convene regularly to review progress and identify new collaboration opportunities in emerging technologies and scientific fields.