India, Russia sign pact on research projects

The cabinet was on Wednesday "apprised" of an agreement signed between India and Russia for joint implementation of competitive research projects in areas of basic and exploratory sciences.

The agreement, signed in May last year, is valid for a period of six years and could be extended by a mutual consent between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Russian Science Federation (RSF).

It provides for competitive research grants to Indians and Russians for joint implementation of projects.

The competition would be conducted in the areas of mathematics, computer and system science, physics and space science, chemistry and material science, biology and life science, basic research for medicine, agricultural science, earth science and engineering science.

"Decision to identify research projects for funding would be taken jointly by DST and RSF. The results of this cooperation will lead to the generation of new knowledge, joint scientific publications, manpower training and IP generation through collaboration," an official statement said after the cabinet meeting.