Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh met Dr. Eva Ortega-Paíno, Secretary General of Spain's Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, on Monday, 25 May 2026, along with a high-level Spanish delegation, to advance bilateral cooperation in science, technology and innovation.

Context

The discussions centred on astrophysics collaboration and the broader strengthening of India-Spain ties in science and technology. Both sides acknowledged the long-standing bilateral framework that has evolved significantly over the years. The meeting also explored new thematic areas for participation of startups, industry, innovators and research institutions under the India-Spain collaborative framework.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds independent charge of the Ministries of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences and also serves as Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, has been at the forefront of expanding India's network of international S&T partnerships. The visit by the Spanish delegation signals renewed momentum in a relationship that spans multiple scientific domains.

Policy Backdrop

India and Spain have maintained a bilateral Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology since the mid-2000s, which has funded periodic joint research calls and institutional exchanges. The programme covers domains ranging from renewable energy and biotechnology to space research, making astrophysics a natural extension of existing collaboration.

India's successive Science, Technology and Innovation Policy frameworks have increasingly emphasised internationalising the domestic innovation ecosystem. A defining feature of recent bilateral engagements has been the explicit mandate to draw in private-sector actors — startups, industry partners and independent innovators — alongside traditional research institutions, moving beyond purely academic exchanges.

Stakeholders and Impact

For Indian research institutions, deeper astrophysics collaboration with Spain opens access to European observational infrastructure and joint funding mechanisms. Indian startups and innovators stand to benefit from new thematic areas identified under the bilateral framework, potentially gaining pathways into European Union-linked science programmes.

Spain, as a European Union member with advanced capabilities in space and astrophysics research, brings complementary strengths. The inclusion of industry and startups on both sides reflects a shared policy preference for translating research cooperation into applied and commercial outcomes.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to whether the meeting produces a formal joint call for proposals in astrophysics or leads to the constitution of new working groups under the bilateral framework. The two sides have agreed to explore new thematic areas, suggesting structured follow-up mechanisms are under discussion.

If formalised, expanded startup and industry participation under the India-Spain framework could serve as a template for similar bilateral arrangements with other European Union partners, reinforcing India's strategy of building a diversified international science and innovation network.