site.btaBulgarian Scientists Discuss Future Cooperation Prospects with India's External Affairs Minister

Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) Vice President Prof. Emanuel Mutafov attended a working lunch with India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during his official visit to Bulgaria on June 10, the Academy reported. The meeting was held at the invitation of India's Ambassador to Bulgaria, Arun Kumar Sahu.

The event was also attended by Medical University - Pleven Rector Prof. Dobromir Dimitrov, a representative of Indian Studies at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, and the Indian-Bulgarian Business Chamber, along with representatives of the Indian diplomatic mission.

At the meeting, the participants emphasized the role of education, culture, and scientific cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations. Mutafov stressed the need to restore scientific projects between the BAS and the Indian Department of Science and Technology to the levels seen prior to 2012, when 12 joint projects were carried out in fields such as nuclear physics and space research. He recalled that the instrument for measuring cosmic radiation on India's first Moon mission of 2008 - Chandrayaan-1, was developed by BAS, and said that India should not associate Bulgaria's name solely with arms trade.

Jaishankar noted that Bulgaria is also known in India for its roses, and agreed that cooperation in the field of science should be strengthened. He also pointed out the need to create conditions for expedited issuance of Bulgarian visas for Indian scholars and students within the framework of cultural and educational exchange. Initiatives in the field of culture and the arts were also discussed during the meeting, the Academy added.