Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh met H E Dr Shane Reti, New Zealand Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Education, in New Delhi during the Artificial Intelligence Summit (AI Summit) to align technological discussions with bilateral scientific collaboration. The Ministers said political leadership on both sides has created a conducive environment to elevate cooperation. Science diplomacy was described as a strategic means to strengthen ties and deliver shared value.

Both Ministers agreed that a focused, outcome oriented approach would be preferable and resolved to identify one or two priority areas with defined milestones and measurable outcomes. Officials will work out modalities and bring concrete proposals for consideration. Successful initiatives would be scaled into a long term framework of cooperation.

Discussions highlighted India’s Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (Bio E3) Mission and a network of bio incubators supporting nearly 10,000 startups, presenting opportunities for collaboration. The two sides explored cooperation in climate resilient crops, livestock and dairy genomics, soil microbiome research, functional foods, alternative proteins and nutraceuticals. They also considered carbon capture and the biological utilisation of captured carbon into value added products to support sustainable growth and net zero transitions.

Climate action and clean energy formed a key part of the agenda, with emphasis on a mission driven path to net zero through green hydrogen, electric mobility and diversified clean energy. India’s work in ocean sciences and desalination for island territories such as Lakshadweep was noted, and New Zealand’s expertise in geothermal energy was welcomed. Both Ministers saw value in combining strengths for climate resilient infrastructure.

The Ministers addressed frontier technologies including quantum computing, quantum sensing and secure communications, and noted India’s 25 Technology Innovation Hubs for interdisciplinary cyber physical systems. Health cooperation covered digital and robotic medical innovations and a tele robotic ultrasound demonstration over 12,000 kilometres as an example of extending access to care. Both sides committed to reinvigorating structured science dialogues, joint research calls and researcher mobility to restore momentum in bilateral engagement.