India, US explore co-operation in IT, cyber security, science

Washington: US state of Maryland and India have explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as, information technology, cyber security, biotechnology, life sciences and aviation, its governor said. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this during the latter’s recent five-day US visit. [caption id=“attachment_1739977” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] PM Narendra Modi was on a five-day visit to the US. Reuters[/caption] “Both leaders explored the opportunities for cooperation in areas such as, information technology, cyber security, biotechnology, life sciences and aviation,” a statement said. O’Malley also spoke about his vision for data-driven governance and the benefits of CityStat and StateStat initiatives for Baltimore and for the State of Maryland. He asked Modi about some of the challenges he faces as a new prime minister. “Governor also commented that Maryland has adopted some of Indian GIS technologies for accurate mapping,” it said. O’Malley praised Modi’s vision to implement more innovative GIS technologies in India to protect fisheries and monitor forest industries. During the meeting, he mentioned that India is in process of signing a memorandum of understanding with the US to continue to build an international educational dialogue. The meeting was attended by the External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj and S Jai Shankar, the Indian Ambassador to the US. They discussion also covered new GIS technologies used both in India and in Maryland. Both leaders talked about investment opportunities that exist in Maryland and India. The prime minister invited O’Malley to attend two upcoming business and trade conferences, one in Indore on October 10 and another on January 10 next year in Gujarat. PTI