European Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik has recently chaired the first EU-India ministerial meeting on science, stating that “India and the EU have much to learn from each other in the field of science”. Incorporated into this recent visit to Delhi and Ahmedabad was the inauguration of two key events: an EU-India workshop on climate change research bringing together 50 leading experts to discuss research priorities and funding, and an EU-India Science Icons meeting stimulating interaction between Indian science students and leading figures in European and Indian science and research. These recent events give further support to scientific cooperation, and bolster the GEANT network, Galileo satellite system and ITER fusion energy project, EU projects in which India already participates. Between 2002 and 2006, more than 75 projects with Indian researchers were funded by the European Commission. The Seventh Framework Programme is expected to offer even more opportunities. Following the ministerial meeting and science-related forums, the European Commission made a financial commitment to India. During a visit to the country in mid-February, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero Waldner, proposed a financial package worth 470 million Euros for the period 2007-2013. This is to support India in implementing the Joint Action Plan and in achieving its Millennium Development Goals in the health and education sectors. European Commission: EU and India united in science
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