India and Luxembourg are looking to broaden their cooperation in space and emerging technologies, with discussions focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, advanced materials and life sciences. The possibilities were discussed during a meeting between Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Minister of State for the Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi.
During his ongoing visit to India, Minister Delles proposed identifying specific and practical areas of collaboration between the two countries. The exercise is also expected to help both sides prepare concrete proposals ahead of the proposed State Visit of Luxembourg to India in January 2027.
Space Cooperation at the Centre
The two Ministers reviewed the progress of India-Luxembourg cooperation in the space sector, including opportunities for institutional and commercial partnerships. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that space continues to be a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.
India and Luxembourg signed an MoU in February 2022 for cooperation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space. Since then, the partnership has acquired a commercial dimension through satellite transponder leasing and the launch of two Luxembourg satellites aboard India’s PSLV under commercial arrangements.
The Luxembourg Space Agency and IN-SPACe have also been working to strengthen links between the space ecosystems of the two countries.
Dr. Singh outlined India’s expanding space ambitions, including greater reliance on navigation and communication satellites in the near term. He also highlighted India’s long-term objectives of establishing an Indian space station by 2035 and achieving a human landing on the Moon by 2040.
Opportunities for Private Space Industry
The meeting explored ways to increase the participation of Luxembourg’s space companies in India’s rapidly developing private space sector. Potential areas include Earth Observation imagery, satellite communication transponders, commercial satellite and subsystem development, launch services, ground stations and mission support.
Luxembourg-based companies such as SES are already engaging with Indian organisations and IN-SPACe on opportunities involving satellite capacity, user terminals and satellite and ground-based subsystems.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s growing private-sector participation in space is creating additional opportunities for international partnerships and commercial collaboration.
AI and High-Performance Computing
Artificial Intelligence and high-performance computing also emerged as promising areas for bilateral cooperation. Dr. Singh outlined India’s efforts to increase computing capacity, expand GPU availability and develop indigenous large language models capable of addressing the country’s linguistic diversity.
The Luxembourg delegation shared its plans for a new AI-focused high-performance computing facility. Both sides discussed facilitating stronger links between companies and research institutions in India and Luxembourg to explore joint opportunities in this field.
Quantum Technology Offers New Scope
Quantum technologies were another major area discussed during the meeting. Dr. Singh highlighted India’s National Quantum Mission and progress in quantum computing, communication and sensing.
He noted that quantum technologies have applications across areas such as healthcare, security and space. In particular, the combination of optical communication and space technologies could offer significant opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
Focus on Biotechnology and Life Sciences
The discussions also covered biotechnology and life sciences. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s BioE3 policy and its efforts to promote biotechnology-driven scientific and economic growth.
Potential cooperation could involve Luxembourg institutions such as the Luxembourg Institute of Health and the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine. Areas of mutual interest could include research into neurodegenerative conditions and Alzheimer’s disease.
The Minister also pointed to India’s expanding public-private model for vaccine development and medical research, as well as the opening of nuclear medicine research to greater private-sector participation.
Preparing for 2027 State Visit
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the longstanding warmth between India and Luxembourg provides a strong foundation for expanding cooperation into new areas. He also recalled the virtual interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Luxembourg’s Prime Minister in 2020.
Minister Delles highlighted Luxembourg’s growing engagement with India in space, satellite communications, AI, cybersecurity and high-performance computing, while emphasising the potential for Luxembourg companies to expand their presence in India.
The two sides agreed that the proposed State Visit in January 2027 could provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties. Dr. Singh suggested that the Embassy and relevant Indian institutions remain closely engaged to identify priority areas and develop specific proposals in advance.
The meeting marked a further expansion of India-Luxembourg cooperation, moving beyond the established space partnership towards practical collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced technologies and commercial innovation.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
