Addressing the 10th “India-Sweden Innovation Day” meeting in New Delhi , Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for the reinforcement of India-Sweden collaboration to effectively tackle pressing global challenges while steadfastly pursuing immediate objectives on the path to achieving a net-zero future.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, on behalf of the Government of India, emphasized the need to encourage companies from both countries to engage in collaborative research and the exchange of human resources. He highlighted that this year, nine Swedish companies visited India under the India-Sweden Innovations Accelerator to enhance export and investment prospects in green technology, fostering stronger ties between Sweden and India in this sector.
The Minister noted that in 2023, both countries are commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the Sweden-India Joint Declaration on Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future. He described this as a momentous occasion, serving as the guiding theme for the 10th India-Sweden Innovation Day.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that this milestone event focuses on harnessing the respective areas of expertise and spearheading environmentally sustainable growth, all aimed at realizing a net-zero future.
Recalling the commitment of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ms. Magdalena Andersson of Sweden in May 2022, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized their dedication to fostering collaborative research and innovation across multiple domains, including polar and space research.
The partnership encompasses various areas such as smart cities, transportation and eMobility, energy, clean technologies, new materials, space, circular and bio-based economy, and health and life sciences. The India-Sweden Innovation Partnership connects institutions, R&D-intensive industries, and creative entrepreneurs to address global challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted 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 is part of the broader Sweden-India Innovation Partnership, aimed at enhancing competitiveness and addressing global issues like climate change and sustainable development through innovative solutions.
He mentioned the India-Sweden Joint call for proposals within Circular Economy announced last year, co-funded by nine Indian and Swedish funding agencies, supporting three major projects under this call.
A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was endorsed on March 13, 2023, between the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, and the Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT). This collaboration aims to enhance cooperation, foster research connections between academic institutions in India and Sweden, and promote knowledge exchange and research advancement.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed gratitude to Mr. Andreas Carlson, Minister of Infrastructure, Government of Sweden, for participating in the 10th edition of the India-Sweden Innovation Day, stating that India is ready to enhance the bilateral partnership, particularly in the realm of Science & Technology, and to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.
The Minister concluded by noting the prosperity of bilateral diplomatic ties due to shared values and dedication to fair trade and globalization. He expressed joy in seeing that innovation cooperation is the most rapidly expanding aspect of the bilateral relationship between India and Sweden. Ambassador of Sweden to India, Mr. Jan Thesleff; Ambassador of India to Sweden, Shri Tanmaya Lal; Shri Robin Sukhia, President, Sweden-India Business Council, and Shri Sanjoo Malhotra, CEO India Unlimited also addressed the gathering.
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