India to enhance global climate goals through green hydrogen mission: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi [India], August 25 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, highlighted the Green Hydrogen Mission as a cornerstone of India’s strategy to decarbonise heavy industries, transportation, and power generation, during a bilateral meeting on US-India Civil Nuclear Commerce at Prithvi Bhavan in New Delhi.

He said, “India to Enhance Global Climate Goals through Green Hydrogen Mission and SMR Collaborations.”

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Singh noted that this initiative is vital for fostering innovation in clean technologies and achieving global climate goals.

With strong policy frameworks and international partnerships, India is set to lead in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Additionally, Singh announced that an Indian astronaut from the Gaganyaan Mission will soon join the International Space Station (ISS).

He said, “Indian Astronaut Set to join International Space Station Under Indo-US Space Cooperation.”

Dr Singh announced that an astronaut from India’s Gaganyaan Mission will join the International Space Station, marking a major achievement in Indo-US space cooperation. He emphasised the significance of this collaboration in securing global supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy technologies.

Additionally, Dr Singh revealed that the Indian government is pursuing international collaborations, investing in research and development, and developing regulatory frameworks to support the use of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). He stressed that SMRs are essential for India’s clean energy transition, contributing to energy self-reliance and supporting climate commitments.

Drawing comparisons between India’s “Anusandhan” National Research Foundation (NRF) and the United States’ National Science Foundation (NSF), Dr Singh emphasised the pivotal roles both organisations play in advancing scientific research and innovation.

He reiterated India’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Panchamrit” climate action plan, which aims to increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW, cut carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

Dr AK Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasised the importance of the Indo-US partnership, noting that it involves not just the exchange of knowledge but also the joint creation of solutions for future challenges. He highlighted the collaboration’s potential to forge new paths in sustainable development and economic growth.

Dr Ravi Chandran, Secretary of Earth Sciences, pointed out the advancements made in ocean energy and Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies.

Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, focused on India’s progress in biomass-to-energy conversion and the successful deployment of biofuels.

Professor Abhay Karandikar discussed India’s strides in emerging technologies like data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, emphasising their strategic importance.

Dr N Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR, highlighted advancements in lithium-ion battery development and indigenous battery manufacturing, stressing the need for sustainable and circular energy storage solutions.

The meeting, which included a high-level US delegation led by John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy, and David Turk, Deputy Secretary of the US Department of Energy, concluded with both nations reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation in emerging technologies.

They emphasised shared interests in boosting economic growth, national security, and global leadership in technological advancements.