Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR) concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on 7 August 2007 for bilateral cooperation in Basic & Fundamental Sciences, in the areas of Mathematics, Mechanics, Informatics & Telecommunication and Computer Science, Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Medical & Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences & Fundamental Engineering. Scientists and Experts working in academic and scientific institutes are eligible to submit project proposals. The grant from their respective national agency could be up to $ 200,000/- per year (in national currencies). First call for proposals was made during September-December 2007 and 33 joint research projects were approved for implementation in June 2008.

2. Second call inviting proposals for joint R&D projects was made in September 2008 and was open till 15 December 2008. 95 joint proposals were received. Based on independent assessment on both sides, followed by joint prioritization, as done jointly by DST and RFBR officials, it has been agreed to support 39 joint R&D projects, as per the list below.

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Wing Commander (Retd) Rakesh Sharma visited Moscow during 7-11 April to attend the functions commemorating the 25th anniversary of the joint Indo-Soviet expedition to space. He was the first Indian cosmonaut to venture into space aboard the Soyuz spacecraft from 3-11 April, 1984.

President Dmitry Medvedev paid a successful State visit to India on 4-5 December. He met President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Vice President Shri M.H. Ansari, External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition Shri L.K. Advani also called on him. President Medvedev held extensive discussions with Prime Minister on bilateral and international issues. A total of ten documents including those in the areas of civil nuclear energy, space, customs, financial security and bilateral business were signed. President Medvedev also presided over the closing ceremony of the ‘Year of Russia in India’ together with the President of India.