India and Iran today
discussed the modalities for effective implementation of the programmes
envisaged in the just concluded agreement on cooperation in Science
and Technology. The issue came up at a meeting here between the
visiting Iranian Minister for Science, Research and Technology
Dr. Mustafa Moin and the Minister for Human Resource Development
and Science & Technology Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi. The two
leaders describing the agreement as a landmark in Indo-Iranian
relations decided to speedily set up the joint committee for smooth
implementation of the accord.
Realising the potential
of collaboration in biotechnology, Iran expressed keen interest
in genetic engineering. Some of its scientists are to be trained
in premier bio-tech institutions of India. Dr. Moin also wanted
India’s help in Information Technology and said that Iran is planning
to set up an IT university. Cooperation in Ocean development and
earthquake studies also figured during the discussions. Dr. Joshi
suggested that the two sides should also take up a joint study
of Indo-Iranian history to understand the deep ancient cultural
heritage.
The agreement signed
between Dr. Moin and Dr. Joshi last Saturday in the presence of
President Khatami and Prime Minister Vajpayee envisages cooperation
in information and communication technology, industrial technology,
food technology, pharmaceutical research, energy, environment,
medical and agricultural biotechnology, metallurgy, oil and petrochemicals
and alternative sources of energy. The agreement is expected to
go a long way in giving a boost to the tardy scientific collaboration
between the two nations.
