H.E. Mr. Ajai Malhotra, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation, met with Academician Yury S. Osipov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in Moscow on February 6, 2012.

Both sides agreed to boost India-Russia scientific and technological cooperation, which has been the most extensive S&T collaboration effort for either country. They also agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the Indian National Science Academy and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Ambassador Malhotra revealed that the next session of the Indo-Russian ILTP Joint Council would be held in New Delhi, India, in April 2012. It may be recalled that the India-Russia Integrated Long Term Programme of Cooperation in Science and Technology (ILTP) begun in 1987 was renewed for a further ten years from 21st December 2010, with a new mandate to promote innovation led technology cooperation.

Ambassador Malhotra also proposed the establishment of an Indo-Russian Mathematical Network, which was welcomed by Academician Osipov, who is himself a reputed mathematician. This would enhance the traditional strength of both countries in mathematics. It may be recalled that India has declared 2012 as National Mathematical Year to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.

The discussion also covered climate change, biodiversity and other global environmental issues of common interest and concern.

Moscow
February 8, 2012

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