High-level Spanish science delegation calls on Union Minister Jitendra Singh; India-Spain cooperation in astrophysics and S&T discussed

📌 Summary:

• A high-level Spanish delegation, led by Dr. Eva Ortega-Paino, Secretary General of Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, called on Union MoS (IC) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi
• Discussions focused primarily on astrophysics collaboration and on strengthening India-Spain cooperation in science, technology and innovation
• Areas covered included circular economy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, digital health, medical devices, biotechnology, space sciences and industrial innovation
• The delegation also included Dr. Jose Moises Martin, Director-General of the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI)
• The Minister highlighted the decade-long India-Spain partnership in industrial R&D and the growing participation of industries, startups, innovators and research institutions
• Both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation mechanisms and discussed expanding cooperation in astrophysics, mega-science initiatives, biomedical sciences, oncology research and biotechnology
• The two countries agreed to explore new thematic areas aligned with emerging global scientific priorities and technological transformations

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (International Relations) — India-Spain bilateral cooperation and science diplomacy; GS3 — emerging technologies and industrial R&D collaboration.

🔑 Key Term: Science diplomacy — the use of scientific collaboration among nations to build constructive international partnerships and to address shared global challenges.