India and Philippines Boost S&T Ties with New Cooperation Programme

In a strategic move to deepen bilateral scientific collaboration, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., Secretary of Science and Technology of the Philippines, held a high-level meeting today with Dr. Jitendra Singh, India’s Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and several key departments. The engagement signals renewed momentum in India-Philippines cooperation following the recent signing of a comprehensive “Programme of Cooperation (PoC)” for the period 2025–2028.

Strengthening Bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation

The meeting, held in New Delhi, focused on converting the broad-ranging cooperation framework established under the PoC into practical, impactful projects. Dr. Jitendra Singh identified geo-spatial technologies and the blue economy as immediate priority sectors for collaboration. These areas are vital in addressing shared challenges such as disaster management, maritime resource utilization, and environmental monitoring—critical concerns for both countries given their geographies.

Dr. Singh welcomed the Philippines’ active engagement within the larger India-ASEAN Science and Technology framework, highlighting the importance of people-to-people linkages fostered through fellowship programs and joint scientific events. These initiatives, he noted, have played a crucial role in enhancing not only regional integration but also strengthening bilateral ties.

Priority Areas: Agricultural Biotechnology, Geospatial Tech, and Disaster Risk Mitigation

The PoC identifies eight thematic areas, including agricultural biotechnology, artificial intelligence, energy storage, and ocean sciences, aiming to address pressing scientific and technological challenges collaboratively. Dr. Singh emphasised that agricultural biotechnology, geospatial technologies, and disaster risk reduction are promising starting points for joint research and development.

India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022 was highlighted as a significant foundation for bilateral cooperation. The policy envisions creating an ecosystem facilitating widespread use of geospatial data across government, academia, and industry sectors. Dr. Singh shared India’s ambitious plan to complete a high-resolution topographical survey and an accurate digital elevation model of the country by 2030, offering to share insights and experiences with the Philippines.

Institutional Collaboration and Joint Mechanisms

Both countries agreed on the importance of regular India-Philippines Joint Committee meetings to oversee and steer the implementation of projects under the PoC. This institutional mechanism will facilitate coordination across thematic sectors, encourage joint research proposals, and enable capacity-building programs.

The PoC also outlines frameworks for:

• Joint research and development

• Exchange of scientists and experts

• Sharing of non-proprietary scientific data

• Protection of intellectual property rights

• Annual workshops and conferences to showcase progress

Indian and Filipino research institutions will be encouraged to submit collaborative project proposals annually, focusing on generating new scientific knowledge and developing commercially viable technologies.

Expected Outcomes and Strategic Importance

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed optimism that the meeting would pave the way for a more focused and outcome-oriented partnership. He underscored the potential for this cooperation to deliver tangible economic, environmental, and societal benefits for both nations.

The engagement came ahead of a Head of State-level meeting later in the day, emphasizing the strategic priority both governments place on science and technology diplomacy.

Presence of Senior Officials

The meeting was attended by key Indian officials including Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, along with senior representatives from the Department of Science and Technology. Philippine delegates included senior officials from their Department of Science and Technology, reinforcing the high-level commitment on both sides.

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Future Collaboration

The India-Philippines PoC reflects an evolved partnership built on previous cooperation, now designed to be more agile and responsive to emerging scientific challenges. By fostering joint innovation and knowledge exchange, both countries aim to strengthen their resilience against environmental threats, enhance food and energy security, and promote sustainable development in line with global scientific progress.

The strategic focus on sectors such as blue economy and geospatial technology also aligns with broader regional priorities in the Indo-Pacific, positioning India and the Philippines as key collaborators in advancing science-led growth.