India and the United Kingdom are expanding cooperation in space technology, civil nuclear energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced scientific research. The progress comes as India’s approximately 800 space-technology start-ups are emerging as a potential link between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh held bilateral talks with Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
The discussions covered satellite development, small modular reactors (SMRs), clean energy technologies, nuclear medicine and cybersecurity, alongside opportunities for research partnerships, investment and commercial collaboration.
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India-UK Space Technology Cooperation Opens Opportunities for Start-Ups
“India’s space-sector reforms have created opportunities for private companies, start-ups and technology developers, allowing established research institutions to concentrate on advanced research and technology development,” said Dr Jitendra Singh.
The two countries explored cooperation in space science, satellite development and research, with the minister proposing stronger links between Indian and British start-ups and smaller businesses. The aim is to support innovation, strengthen supply chains and create commercial opportunities.
The Indian delegation included Professor Umesh Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Dr Praveen Kumar Somasundaram, its adviser and head of international bilateral cooperation.
The UK delegation included Reynolds, British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron and Amanda Brooks, Interim Permanent Secretary at the UK Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
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Civil Nuclear Energy and Small Modular Reactors in Focus
Civil nuclear energy is another key area of discussion. Dr Singh highlighted India’s nuclear-sector reforms, including the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025. The pact comes as part of efforts to broaden participation in nuclear energy and technology development.
Both sides explored cooperation in small modular reactors, advanced nuclear technologies and related industrial capabilities. The discussions took place against the backdrop of rising energy requirements, industrial growth, electrification and increasing demand from data centres.
The minister also highlighted nuclear technology’s applications beyond electricity generation, particularly in healthcare. India’s work involving radioisotopes & cancer-related applications could provide scope for collaboration with British expertise in life sciences and medical research.
The talks further identified historical scientific links, including research into tropical diseases, as a basis for potential biomedical cooperation.
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AI, Quantum Technology and Cybersecurity Add to Agenda
The talks also covered AI, quantum technologies, cyber-physical systems, advanced sensors, gravimeters and geospatial applications linked to space research.
Dr Singh said AI would be essential for future development, while highlighting India’s exploration of smaller AI models suited to local needs and available resources. Both sides discussed practical applications of emerging technologies, associated risks and the importance of cybersecurity as these systems become more integrated into critical infrastructure.
UK minister Jonathan Reynolds welcomed closer institutional engagement, research and innovation partnerships & commercial cooperation.
He also expressed interest in peaceful civil nuclear collaboration and highlighted AI as a priority for the UK’s forthcoming G20 presidency, particularly in relation to technological innovation and productivity.
Turning Bilateral Talks into Technology Partnerships
For India’s space, energy and deep-tech sectors, the next step is to translate these discussions into research partnerships, investment and industry collaboration. Stronger links between start-ups, scientific institutions and businesses could help both countries move from shared research priorities towards practical applications.
Cooperation now spans satellites, advanced nuclear technology, healthcare research and AI. The impact will depend on how effectively the two countries turn these areas of mutual interest into concrete projects.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
