Dr Reti updated on progressing business reforms in India
Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh has held a comprehensive bilateral meeting with Dr. Shane Reti, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Education, New Zealand, including discussions on opportunity to align the expanding technological discourse with deeper bilateral scientific collaboration.
Dr Reti, in India for the AI Summit, and Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that science diplomacy today plays a strategic role in strengthening bilateral ties and generating shared economic and societal value.
The two Ministers agreed that while India and New Zealand have a broad canvas of potential collaboration, the partnership would benefit from a focused, outcome-oriented approach. Instead of dispersing efforts across too many domains simultaneously, both sides concurred on identifying one or two priority areas with clearly defined milestones and measurable outcomes, which could then be scaled up into a long-term, structured framework of cooperation. Officials from both countries will now work out modalities and bring concrete proposals for further consideration.
Dr Jitendra Singh, who is Minister of State for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences; Atomic Energy and Space, highlighted India’s rapid strides in biotechnology and bioeconomy, including the transformative Bio-E3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Mission and a growing network of bio-incubators supporting nearly 10,000 startups.
Recognising New Zealand’s global standing in bioeconomy and agri-based innovation, both sides explored collaboration in climate-resilient crops, livestock and dairy genomics, soil microbiome research, functional foods, alternative proteins, and nutraceuticals.
The Ministers also discussed advancing carbon capture technologies and the biological utilisation of captured carbon into value-added products, underscoring the shared commitment to sustainable growth and net-zero transitions.
Climate action and clean energy emerged as key pillars of discussion. Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined India’s mission-driven approach towards net-zero through green hydrogen, electric mobility, clean energy diversification, and ocean-based energy exploration.
He also shared India’s progress in ocean sciences and desalination technologies, including initiatives in island territories such as Lakshadweep to ensure potable water security. The New Zealand side shared its expertise in geothermal energy and renewable systems, and both Ministers agreed that combining strengths in ocean energy, geothermal research and climate-resilient infrastructure could yield mutually beneficial outcomes.
Frontier technologies such as quantum computing, quantum sensing, secure communications, and quantum photonics were also deliberated upon. Dr. Jitendra Singh informed the NZ Minister that India has established 25 Technology Innovation Hubs to promote interdisciplinary cyber-physical systems integrating digital and physical platforms, driving advancements in robotics, AI,and advanced materials.
Both sides recognised the importance of collaboration in emerging technologies, particularly in translating research into scalable, secure, and socially beneficial applications.
In the health sector, the Ministers exchanged views on digital and robotic medical innovations. Dr Jitendra Singh referred to India’s recent successful demonstration of tele-robotic ultrasound conducted over 12,000 kilometres, describing it as a breakthrough in expanding access to quality healthcare in remote regions.
Discussions also touched upon diabetes management technologies, including continuous glucose monitoring systems, and the importance of responsible, regulated use of emerging weight-loss drugs, with emphasis on integrated medical oversight and lifestyle interventions.
Space science and polar research were identified as promising domains for enhanced engagement. Both sides acknowledged the global importance of Antarctica research and its implications for climate systems affecting Asia-Pacific regions. Opportunities in satellite observations, high-altitude experiments and glaciology were discussed, with recognition that scientific collaboration in these areas could contribute meaningfully to global climate understanding.
The meeting also reflected on the need to reinvigorate structured science dialogues between the two countries, particularly given the gap in high-level engagement in recent years. Both Ministers expressed commitment to restoring momentum through regular institutional interactions, joint research calls, and researcher mobility frameworks.
The New Zealand side shared insights from its international research engagements, including association with major global research platforms, indicating willingness to exchange experiences for strengthening collaborative pathways.
Dr. Jitendra Singh updated his guests that India’s science reforms and mission-mode programmes are designed to generate economic value while addressing societal challenges, and partnerships with like-minded countries such as New Zealand can amplify impact.
He expressed confidence that the renewed focus on clearly defined priority areas will translate into tangible outcomes and deepen the India–New Zealand science and innovation partnership in the years ahead.
Senior officials from the Department of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology, CSIR and other agencies, along with members of the New Zealand delegation led by the High Commissioner, were present during the discussions Ministry of Technology and Science said on 18 Feb. Fiinews.com
