Bush's India visit expands technology partnerships

BANGALORE, India — President George Bush’s visit to India has yielded a range of bilateral partnerships in technology, aerospace and intellectual property.

During a visit to Hyderabad on Friday (March 3), Bush also said there would be no curbs on outsourcing from the U.S., stating that he was in favor of more competition, not less.

Among the agreements concluded during his current visit are the Bi-National Science and Technology Commission that will generate collaborative partnerships in science and technology. The project is likely to be funded at $50 million, and private funding is also being sought.

The partners said they will promote innovation through a vibrant intellectual property rights regime. The IP rights initiative will include capacity-building activities, human resource development and public awareness programs.

An aerospace agreement permitting the launch of U.S. satellites and satellites containing U.S. components by Indian space launch vehicles will also be concluded soon. Two U.S. instruments will fly during India’s planned lunar mission in 2008. The Indian Space Research Organization and NASA are expected to conclude a detailed agreement soon.