The general aim of the project "Europe and India: Past, Present and Future", co-financed by the European Commission in the framework of the "EU-India Economic Cross-Cultural Programme", is to extend Indo-European co-operation, at present intense in the fields of physics and mathematics, to the applications of mechanical sciences and computer science to engineering extended to management, environment, etc. The project will be implemented in Italy, India and Austria. One example of this co-operation will be a joint research project into hydrology, a topic of great relevance both in India and Europe. The results of the course will be available not only in traditional printed form but also on Internet, in multimedia products and in a database.

The project aims to establish a network to develop collaborative interaction, research and other common activities both in Europe and in India in the areas of mechanical sciences, industrial automation, hydrology, environment, etc. The broad objectives of the project are: bringing together scientists, research workers and experts in Europe and India; promoting collaboration with scientists belonging to institutions not involved in the project; and preparing the ground for possible extension of the network in India and in Europe. The project will focus on the following activities: courses; the joint research project; and multimedia assistance.

The project is targeted primarily at: research workers in the fields of mechanical sciences, hydrology, industrial automation, environment and management; experts in water management, water exploration, water protection; chief executives from central and state government; and engineers and experts working in industry.