New Delhi: The University of Delhi (DU) on Friday signed a Statement of Cooperation with Russia's National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) to establish a joint Space Mirror Laboratory at its Faculty of Technology.

The agreement was signed in the presence of DU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, who termed the initiative “visionary and ambitious”. The joint laboratory will focus on advanced research in data storage, processing and transmission in the space spectrum.

“It is a matter of great pleasure that two leading institutions from two friendly countries have come together to jointly conduct research. This collaboration will pave the way for several joint academic and research initiatives benefitting students and faculty of both universities,” Singh said.

The Statement of Cooperation was signed by HSE University Rector Dr Nikita Anisimov and DU Registrar Dr Vikas Gupta. Senior officials including HSE University Vice President Dr Manoj Sharma and Ms Anastasia Sergeeva were also present on the occasion.

Notably, the agreement coincides with the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Summit. Last year, DU and HSE University had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen student, researcher and faculty exchange programmes.

The joint centre will also enable HSE University to establish an academic presence on a foreign campus, aimed at promoting greater international cooperation and joint research initiatives.