New Delhi, Oct 09: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration between India and Sweden.
Addressing the 10th “India-Sweden Innovation Day” here, Dr Singh highlighted the significance of strengthening bilateral cooperation to address pressing global challenges while working towards achieving a net-zero future.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of India, Dr Jitendra encouraged companies from both countries to engage in collaborative research and the exchange of human resources. He noted that nine Swedish companies visited India under the India-Sweden Innovations Accelerator this year, focusing on green technology to boost export and investment prospects, thereby fostering stronger ties between Sweden and India in this sector.
In 2023, India and Sweden are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the Sweden-India Joint Declaration on Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future. Dr Singh described this occasion as momentous, guiding the theme for the 10th India-Sweden Innovation Day, emphasising the need to harness expertise for environmentally sustainable growth leading to a net-zero future.
The union minister recalled the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden in May 2022 to foster collaborative research and innovation across various domains, including polar and space research. He highlighted the partnership’s focus areas, such as smart cities, transportation, eMobility, energy, clean technologies, new materials, space, circular and bio-based economy, and health and life sciences.
Dr Singh noted the recent announcement of the INDIA–SWEDEN Collaborative Industrial Research & Development call by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, in collaboration with the Swedish Government Agency for Innovation Systems (VINNOVA). This initiative aims to enhance competitiveness and address global challenges like climate change and sustainable development through innovative solutions.
He expressed gratitude to Andreas Carlson, Minister of Infrastructure, Government of Sweden, for participating in the 10th edition of the India-Sweden Innovation Day. He reiterated India’s readiness to strengthen the bilateral partnership, particularly in the realm of Science & Technology, and enhance the innovation ecosystem.
The event saw addresses by Ambassador of Sweden to India, Hon Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of India to Sweden, Tanmaya Lal, Robin Sukhia, President, Sweden-India Business Council, and Sanjoo Malhotra, CEO India Unlimited, highlighting the robust relationship between India and Sweden and their commitment to fostering innovation cooperation.
