India and the United Kingdom held bilateral talks to identify areas of joint work in space, civil nuclear energy, emerging technologies and scientific research. The discussions were led by Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh and UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Jonathan Reynolds on 12 October 2026.
Key facts
- Indian delegation led by Dr. Jitendra Singh, with Prof. Umesh Waghmare (Secretary, Department of Science and Technology) and Dr. Praveenkumar Somasundaram (Adviser, International Bilateral Cooperation).
- UK delegation included Jonathan Reynolds MP, Lindy Cameron (British High Commissioner to India) and Amanda Brooks (Interim Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade).
- India has approximately 800 space-technology startups.
- Discussion topics: space sector, small modular reactors, AI, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity and medical research.
- Date of talks: 12 October 2026.
What India is offering: recent domestic reforms
India has recently opened its space sector to private industry and startups through policy reforms. This allows established research institutions to concentrate on advanced research while commercial actors participate in satellite development and space technology. India has now over 800 space-technology startups, suggesting significant momentum in this sector.
Similarly, India has enacted the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, which allows wider participation in nuclear energy and technology development beyond government monopoly. Both moves represent India’s strategy to leverage private sector expertise and investment in strategic technology sectors.
Areas of potential cooperation
Space and startups: Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed linking Indian and British space-technology startups and smaller companies. The goal is to facilitate innovation, strengthen supply chains and create commercial opportunities for both countries’ industries.
Civil nuclear energy: The talks explored collaboration in small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies. The backdrop is growing energy demand from industrialisation, electrification and data-centre expansion. India also discussed the non-energy applications of its nuclear programme, particularly nuclear medicine and the use of radioisotopes in cancer treatment, where British expertise in life sciences could complement Indian capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence and quantum technologies: Both countries view AI as essential for future development. India is developing smaller-scale AI models suited to local requirements and resource availability. The talks also covered quantum technologies, advanced sensors, gravimeters and geospatial applications in space research. Emerging technologies bring both opportunity and risk, making cybersecurity a shared concern as these systems become integrated into critical infrastructure.
Biomedical research: India’s historical scientific links with the UK, including research on tropical diseases, provide a foundation for deeper collaboration in biomedical research and medical applications of nuclear technology.
What the UK brings to the table
Jonathan Reynolds welcomed closer engagement and emphasised opportunities for regular interaction between research institutions and innovation partnerships. The UK has its own space strategy and views civil nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes as a priority. The UK holds the G20 Presidency and has identified AI as a key focus area for that forum, suggesting India-UK cooperation on technological innovation could have wider diplomatic significance.
What this means for you
For startups and businesses: Indian space-technology startups may gain access to UK partners for supply chain integration and commercial expansion. Entrepreneurs in AI and emerging technologies could explore collaboration opportunities with British counterparts.
For researchers: Scientists in biomedical research, nuclear medicine and emerging technologies may find increased funding and partnership opportunities with UK institutions.
For energy sectors: Companies working in nuclear technology and small modular reactors may see new avenues for UK collaboration and investment.
What happens next
The release does not specify dates or formal next steps. However, both sides expressed interest in regular institutional interaction and practical collaboration across space, nuclear, AI and life sciences sectors, suggesting follow-up discussions will take place.