The Union Minister for Science, Technology and Earth Science, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the South African Minister for Science, Technology Ms. Naledi Pandor have decided to strengthen the key science areas. It includes Health Sciences and Biotechnology; Astronomy & Astrophysics, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Green Chemistry and the Mega project in the area of “HIV Vaccine Research Collaboration” with co-funding to the tune of US $ 1 million from both sides. During the 3rd BRICS of Science and Technology Ministerial Meeting held in Moscow on 27th and 28th this month the two side held bilateral discussions on all the projects.

South African Minister Ms. Pandore desired that India may also help h South Africa specially in Space Science, Agriculture and food security and in converting of Pharma based indigenous knowledge into wealth. For India- South Africa collaboration in Space Science, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, India had launched the ASTROSAT satellite for space probe and India will be happy to provide necessary assistance to South Africa.

What is ASTROSAT?