Dr. Jitendra Singh at InFLiMeN 2nd Anniversary in New Delhi
Synopsis
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was felicitated by ILBS Director Dr. S.K. Sarin at the 2nd Anniversary of InFLiMeN, the Indo-French Liver & Metabolic Disease Network, in New Delhi on 4 July 2026, marking two years of bilateral liver and metabolic disease research collaboration.
Key Takeaways
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr.
Jitendra Singh attended the 2nd Anniversary commemoration of InFLiMeN in New Delhi on 4 July 2026 .
Sarin , Director of the Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS) , felicitated the Minister at the event.
InFLiMeN is a bilateral network between Indian and French institutions focused on liver and metabolic disease research.
The collaboration is anchored in the India-France strategic partnership established in 1998 , which includes sustained science and health cooperation.
The network facilitates joint clinical studies, researcher training and data sharing between India and France.
Future joint publications, clinical trials and possible expansion of InFLiMeN's scope are expected to follow the anniversary milestone.
Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was felicitated by Dr. S.K. Sarin, Professor of Hepatology and Director of the Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, during the commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the Indo-French Liver & Metabolic Disease Network (InFLiMeN) on 4 July 2026.
Context
Dr. Singh took to X to thank Dr. Sarin for the felicitation, acknowledging the occasion as the network's second anniversary milestone. InFLiMeN is a bilateral research collaboration between Indian and French institutions focused on liver and metabolic diseases. The event was hosted at ILBS, a New Delhi-based autonomous institute that specialises in liver, biliary and metabolic disease research and treatment.
Policy Backdrop
The India-France strategic partnership, established in 1998, has consistently included cooperation in science, technology and health research. Over the years, India has expanded bilateral research networks with France targeting non-communicable diseases, including metabolic disorders. InFLiMeN sits within this broader framework, facilitating joint clinical studies, researcher training and data sharing between Indian and French institutions.
As Union Minister holding independent charge of both Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Singh has championed international S&T partnerships as a pillar of India's research strategy. The network's second anniversary signals that the collaboration has moved beyond its foundational phase into active, sustained engagement.
Stakeholders and Impact
Medical researchers working on hepatology and metabolic medicine in both countries stand to benefit from the joint infrastructure InFLiMeN provides. For liver disease patients in India, such networks can accelerate access to cutting-edge clinical trial data and treatment protocols developed in collaboration with French counterparts. ILBS, as the nodal Indian institution, plays a central role in channelling these benefits into domestic clinical practice.
Dr. Sarin's felicitation of the Minister also underscores the importance the scientific community places on political support for sustaining such long-term bilateral programmes, which require consistent policy backing and institutional funding.
What's Next
Observers of the India-France health research corridor will watch for announcements of joint publications, expanded clinical trials or new institutional agreements under the InFLiMeN umbrella. The anniversary commemoration could serve as a platform to announce the next phase of the network's mandate, potentially broadening its scope to include metabolic conditions beyond liver disease. Sustained ministerial engagement signals that the government views such partnerships as integral to India's push toward research-led healthcare innovation.
Point of View
Not merely a recipient of international scientific collaboration. By amplifying a bilateral liver-disease research milestone, the Science Ministry signals that non-communicable disease partnerships carry the same diplomatic weight as technology or defence cooperation with France. ILBS's centrality in this network also reinforces New Delhi's strategy of designating specialised autonomous institutes as nodes in international research corridors. Sustained ministerial visibility at such events typically precedes formal announcements of expanded funding or new institutional MoUs.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is InFLiMeN and what does it do?
InFLiMeN stands for the Indo-French Liver & Metabolic Disease Network. It is a bilateral research collaboration between Indian and French institutions designed to facilitate joint clinical studies, training and data sharing focused on liver and metabolic diseases.
Who is Dr. S.K. Sarin?
Dr. S.K. Sarin is a Professor of Hepatology and the Director of the Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in New Delhi, one of India's leading autonomous institutes specialising in liver, biliary and metabolic disease research and treatment.
What is Dr. Jitendra Singh's role in Indian science policy?
Dr. Jitendra Singh serves as Union Minister of State with Independent Charge of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and also holds the position of Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and for Personnel.
How old is the India-France science and technology partnership?
The India-France strategic partnership, which includes cooperation in science, technology and health research, was established in 1998, making it nearly three decades old.
What can we expect next from InFLiMeN?
Following the 2nd Anniversary commemoration, observers expect announcements of joint publications, new clinical trials or expanded institutional agreements that could broaden InFLiMeN's scope beyond liver disease to other metabolic conditions.
