India & Italy sign MoU for cooperation in the field of scientific research

An MoU has been signed between India and Italy to further cooperation in the field of scientific research. The 13th Ministerial meeting of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was held in London, United Kingdom. Also, the 4th India-Japan Joint Working Group Meeting on Tourism Cooperation was held in New Delhi.

India and Italy Sign MoU  on Scientific Research 

India and Italy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of scientific research on 11 April 2025..

The MoU was signed during the visit of the Italian Minister of University and Research, Ms. Anna Maria Bernini, to India.

She met the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh.

Both Ministers discussed cooperation in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other emerging sectors.

Both countries agreed to implement the 2025–2027 Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, which aims to further collaboration in critical technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization.

13th Ministerial meeting of the India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue

The 13th ministerial meeting of the India-United Kingdom Economic and Financial Dialogue was held in London on 8th April 2025. 

The Indian delegation was led by Union Minister of Finance and Minister for Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman. The United Kingdom delegation was led by the United Kingdom’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. The Indian delegation included Finance Secretary Ajay Seth, Chairman of the International Financial Services Center Authority (IFSCA), K Rajaram, and other senior officials of the Finance Ministry. RBI Governor  Sanjay Malhotra attended the meeting virtually.

The meeting was held to further collaboration in the financial services sector, FinTech, the Digital economy, and between the respective regulatory bodies. The next meeting will be held in India in 2026.

4th India-Japan Joint Working Group Meeting on Tourism Cooperation 

India and Japan held the 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Tourism Cooperation in New Delhi on 10th April 2025. 

The meeting focused on enhancing the tourism ties between the two countries. 

The Indian delegation was led by Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Union Ministry of Tourism.

The Japanese side was led by Haraikawa Naoya, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency

Focus of the Meeting 

The meeting focused on enhancing the tourism ties between the two countries, promoting Indian Buddhist sites in Japan and improving air connectivity, and encouraging Japanese student visits to the country.

Discussions were also held on increasing private sector participation and developing strategies to use media and influencers for boosting tourist flow.