India and Slovenia Strengthen Scientific Ties with New Programme of Cooperation for 2024–2029

New Delhi: India and Slovenia have taken a major step towards enhancing their scientific and technological collaboration with the finalization of the Programme of Cooperation (PoC) for the period 2024–2029. The PoC, which was discussed and agreed upon during a meeting between Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh and Slovenian Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Dr. Igor Papič, aims to open new avenues for joint research and foster networks among scientists of both nations.

“We are happy to deepen our ties with Slovenia as we finalize the Programme of Cooperation for the next five years. This initiative will provide exciting opportunities for research and facilitate stronger networks among scientists in both countries,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh during the meeting at Parliament House.

The PoC will focus on expanding collaborative research in emerging fields such as hydrogen technologies and sustainable innovation. Dr. Singh noted the success of previous collaborations, with over 20 joint projects already implemented across various sectors including health, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart cities. “This partnership has consistently yielded impactful results, and the new PoC will further strengthen cooperation in transformative areas,” he added.

Dr. Papič, along with Slovenian Ambassador to India Mateja Vodeb Ghosh and Economic Counsellor Tea Pirih, expressed enthusiasm about the focus on hydrogen technologies—an area crucial for achieving global energy sustainability. Both nations are keen to expand their research collaboration in this field, which holds significant promise for the future of clean energy.

The India-Slovenia partnership, which began in 1995, has been solidified through initiatives such as the Joint Working Group on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The finalization of the PoC comes ahead of a planned Joint Committee meeting in Slovenia in early 2025, further emphasizing the growing momentum of bilateral scientific exchange.

Additionally, the ministers discussed plans for a new joint call for research projects, which will focus on mutually agreed areas, including innovation, academic research, and industrial development. This move aims to deepen academic and industrial ties between India and Slovenia, fostering collaboration that will benefit both nations and contribute to global progress.

With this renewed commitment, India and Slovenia are poised to set a global benchmark for international cooperation in science and technology, driving progress in critical fields and reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.