Dr Jitendra Singh proposes India-Delaware Biomanufacturing Working Group

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Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India and the United States should move towards a structured India-Delaware partnership in advanced biomanufacturing. He proposed the setting up of a small working group to convert discussions into results for concrete collaborations in research, manufacturing and startup ecosystem.

The proposal came during a meeting of the US delegation led by Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, who called on Dr Jitendra Singh at Seva Teerth. Both sides focused on bilateral cooperation in pharma, biotechnology, clean energy and innovation-led industrial development.

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that Science, Technology and Biotechnology are the key pillars of the Indo-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He said India sees "good potential for deeper engagement" with the US countries that have strong innovation ecosystems.

He highlighted India's emergence as a global hub for innovation in the field of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, with its potential spanning from research and development to large-scale, cost-effective manufacturing.

Referring to Delaware's bioscience ecosystem, Dr Jitendra Singh said there is a strong potential for collaboration in advanced biomanufacturing, AI-enabled processes, rapid scale production technologies, and next-generation biologics and vaccines, including the National Institute for Innovation in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing (NIIMBL).

He suggested that India's capability in affordable manufacturing, and Delaware's proximity to major US pharmaceutical companies can be instrumental in the development of affordable biologics, biosimilars, and vaccines for global health needs.

Dr Jitendra Singh also outlined specific areas of collaboration, including the Joint Advanced Bio-manufacturing Platform, Translational Research Bridges connecting Indian institutions and Delaware research centres, startup and incubation linkages, and workforce training in GMP manufacturing, regulatory sciences and quality systems. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed that a structured working group system would be helpful in taking forward discussions in practical programmes, including joint research proposals, startup exchanges, and institutional partnerships. This collaboration adds state-level dimensions to the India-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with biotechnology and advanced manufacturing emerging as priority areas for the next phase of cooperation.