India, Sweden to collaborate in defence, space & science

India and Sweden agreed to bolster their collaboration in the field of defence and space and science respectively.

According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two countries will explore the finalisation of a bilateral agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information for cooperation in defence.

Also, the two sides will enhance Indo-Swedish dialogue on defence cooperation, proceed with India-Sweden defence seminars in India and Sweden in 2018-19 and explore, together with the ISBLRT, opportunities for investment in Defence Production Corridors in India.

India and Sweden will encourage industry partners to develop supply chains for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with major Defence and Aerospace Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

In space and science, the two countries will acknowledge the importance of bilateral cooperation on space research, technology, innovation and applications.

Both sides will encourage the space agencies and other space entities to enhance space cooperation under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), particularly in Earth observation, planetary exploration and satellite ground station activities, through inter-alia an Indo-Swedish Space Seminar and a visit by an Indian delegation to Swedish space establishments.

Both the countries will also explore possible collaboration between the European Spallation Source (ESS), hosted by Sweden, and Indian partners.