The agreement, inked by Indian Junior Minister for Science and Technology Bachi Singh Rawat and Italy's Deputy Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver, overwrites a 1978 understanding between the two countries, officials said.

The project was to have been unveiled by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi but he was forced to postpone his visit to India because of a stomach bug.

"The new agreement provides for comprehensive autonomy in implementing various science and technology projects which were earlier routed through the culture ministry," Rawat said.

"The agreement also provides for translating research ideas into products and services and accessing and utilisation of (Indian and Italian) advanced research facilities," he said.

Boniver said the agreement was a "new turn and fresh start."

"This will help us to work closely and profitably together," she said.

An agreement on co-production and joint distribution of films was not signed because of Berlusconi's absence.

Berlusconi, whose country holds the revolving presidency of the European Union, was also due to have held bilateral talks with Indian officials during his visit.

SPACE.WIRE