New Delhi, May 19 (H.S.): During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway, several bilateral agreements were signed between India and Norway in the fields of science and innovation.

Under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Monday signed a series of significant agreements in Oslo with leading Norwegian research, academic, and industrial organisations to strengthen cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

The agreements were signed under the leadership of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, along with senior representatives of Norwegian partner institutions.

The agreements aim to expand India-Norway cooperation in research, innovation, and technology development, while also promoting institutional partnerships, startup and industry collaboration, academic cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives in both countries.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between CSIR and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) seeks to promote collaboration in research, technology development, innovation, and capacity building.

The agreement envisages joint workshops, collaborative research and development projects, exchange visits by scientists and researchers, implementation of specialised programmes, and mechanisms for periodic review in areas linked to global challenges and Sustainable Development Goals, including climate, clean energy, oceans, and health.

The partnership will also focus on circular economy and long-term sustainability through joint research and innovation programmes in areas such as bio-based processes and materials, innovation centres, marine energy — including offshore wind and hybrid systems — carbon capture, storage and utilisation, and converting waste into usable materials.

CSIR will provide financial support of approximately ₹3.41 crore for the project. The collaboration will include joint R&D projects, geophysical survey planning, data analysis and modelling, technical consultancy support, and the organisation of scientific and training programmes.

These agreements mark an important milestone in India-Norway cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, and are expected to further strengthen collaborative research, innovation-driven sustainable development, and long-term institutional partnerships between the two countries.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar