India, Norway sign SiO for cooperation in defence research

India and Norway on Tuesday signed a statement of intent (SiO) for cooperation in defence research during President Pranab Mukherjee's state visit to the Scandinavian nation.

The SiO, between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), signed by Dr Sudershan Kumar, DRDO, and John-Mikal Stordal, Director General of FFI, declares the intent of both institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation in research and development programs in the field of defence research and development through organization of seminars, conferences, workshops and exchange of relevant information.

A further memorandum of understanding (MoU), between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the Research Council of Norway (RCN), which was signed by MoES secretary Shailesh Nayak and Arvid Hallen, Director General of RCN, seeks to facilitate arrangements and understanding that lead to India-Norwegian cooperation and coordination of activities and progress in Earth System Sciences. Its objective is to allow exchange of scientific resources, personnel and technical knowledge to support the improvement and development of progress in Earth Sciences and services.

In total, eleven MoUs, one agreement and one statement of intent (SiO) were signed between the two nations.

President Mukherjee, who is on a two-day visit to Norway, will travel to Finland later on Tuesday.