India, Cyprus to collaborate in research and technology fields
New Delhi, May 23
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday acknowledged the transformative potential of new and emerging technologies and noted that the MoU on Innovation and Technology will promote collaboration among research centres, startups, and academic institutions, as well as joint research and innovation projects in emerging and sustainable technologies, including ethical and responsible AI, as per a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.
Recognising the importance of the space sector as a critical infrastructure underpinning global economic progress, security, innovation, and technological advancement, both sides expressed interest in partnerships in addressing global challenges.
Prime Minister Modi informed that India's Space Policy 2023 provides an enabling and dynamic framework for non-governmental entities to undertake end-to-end activities in the space domain. Both sides welcomed the ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration for mutual benefit. In this context, the leaders welcomed the ongoing engagement between the ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence (ECoE) and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), as per the statement.
The leaders welcomed growing exchanges at the academic level, including students and researchers. In this context, they welcomed the signing of an MoU in the field of Higher Education and Research, which they noted would provide a strong foundation for higher education institutions and research organisations in both countries to strengthen engagement, enhance exchanges, and explore opportunities for collaboration, including through joint research initiatives, faculty and student mobility, and institutional partnerships, as per the statement.
The leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU on Diplomatic Training between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) and the Diplomatic Academy, MoFA, Cyprus, which will strengthen bilateral ties by cooperation in the training of diplomats, the statement read.
The leaders committed to continuing negotiations with a view to concluding a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, which will provide a framework to facilitate collaboration on safe, regular and orderly migration and support sustainable workforce mobility of highly skilled workers, students, and researchers. Both leaders also agreed on the commencement of negotiations for a Social Security Agreement at the earliest.
In this context, the leaders also welcomed the signing of the MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC), which would provide a good opportunity for young accountants to contribute to developing professional and regulatory standards, exchanging best practices in accounting and auditing, and enhancing mutual recognition and employability in the fields of finance and business services, the statement said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement is exactly what we need! Indian researchers and students will get more opportunities abroad, and Cyprus can benefit from our skilled workforce. But I hope the Social Security Agreement is fair for both sides – our workers should not lose out on benefits. Kaam karte raho, par behtari bhi chahiye!
As someone who works in the tech sector, this collaboration sounds promising. India's growing space sector needs international partners like Cyprus, which has expertise in earth observation through the ERATOSTHENES Centre. Joint research in sustainable tech and AI could lead to real-world solutions. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes.
I am happy about the diplomatic training MoU between SSIFS and Cyprus. Our foreign service needs exposure to different bilateral relations, and Cyprus is a key EU member with strategic location. But I hope we also focus on domestic issues – women's safety and job creation at home are equally important. Diplomatic ties are good, but jaanta bhookha hai!
Interesting to see ICAI and ICPAC signing an MoU for accountants. This could make it easier for Indian CAs to get recognized in Cyprus, which is a hub for finance and shipping. But we need to ensure the standards are truly equivalent, not just on paper. Let's hope it leads to better employability for our young professionals. Good step overall!
While the MoUs are welcome, I am a bit skeptical about the Migration and Mobility Partnership. Similar agreements with other EU countries have led to brain drain. Our top researchers and students may stay
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.