Eastern Coastal Region Can Play Larger Role in India’s Nuclear and Marine Roadmap: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh met Odisha’s Minister for Science and Technology Krushna Chandra Patra in New Delhi, laying out an integrated roadmap for the state that brings together the Centre’s Rare Earth Corridor proposal, Odisha’s marine and coastal resources, its biotechnology ecosystem, space capabilities and network of scientific institutions.

What role did Dr Singh envision for Odisha in India’s nuclear and marine ambitions?

Dr Singh said the Eastern Coastal Region can play a much larger role in India’s emerging nuclear and marine roadmap, with Odisha well positioned to contribute through coordinated efforts involving central scientific institutions and the state government.

What areas were covered during the discussions?

Discussions between the two leaders covered the expansion of marine biotechnology, strengthening of life sciences infrastructure, greater utilisation of Odisha’s coastal and mineral resources, space applications and manufacturing, rare earth exploration, scientific infrastructure development, and participation of coastal districts in national marine-environment initiatives.

What concrete outcome emerged from the meeting on scientific infrastructure?

The meeting finalised the expansion of the Institute of Life Sciences in Bhubaneswar, with the Odisha government agreeing to provide an additional 50 acres of land for the expansion.

What marine economy initiatives were discussed?

The meeting also focused on Odisha’s participation in the forthcoming Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, alongside the state’s recent Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission, which aims to unlock offshore and deep-sea fisheries potential and build stronger value chains around the marine economy.

What does this mean for Centre-State coordination going forward?

Both leaders agreed on the importance of continued coordination between the Centre and Odisha to take these initiatives forward, positioning the state’s coastal and marine assets as a key pillar in India’s broader nuclear, space and marine science strategy.