President Mukherjee calls for collaborations between India, Norway in science and technology

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday called for collaborations between India and Norway in science and technology, stating that India today places immense emphasis on fundamental research.

Addressing the plenary session of the Joint Seminar on Business, Science and Technology held at the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) here, President Mukherjee said,

"The Higher Education Sector in India is a priority and is expanding at a fast pace. Many new institutions of higher learning have either been established or are in the process of being set up. There is in India today immense emphasis on fundamental research in science and technology. We hope this will help us manage better, issues such as climate change, food and drinking water security and sustainable, clean energy sources."

"Collaborations between India and Norway in science and technology and research and innovation need to intensify and focus on these high priority areas. We also need to create an ecosystem that shall facilitate exchange of students and faculty between our two countries and also nurture innovation and enterprise through joint courses and degrees," he added.

He further said, "The Joint Working Groups between our two countries in areas such as Environment, Science and Technology, Higher Education, Hydrocarbons, Culture, Local Governance and Maritime matters have the potential of transforming our bilateral relationship. The Statement of Intent on Research in the Defence Sector being formalized today further underscores the depth of our engagement in a multitude of high technology areas and our shared strategic objectives."

Speaking of upcoming agreements between the two nations, the President said, "India and Norway are signing several memorandum of understandings (MoUs) and Agreement,s designed to further collaboration between our governments in areas such as diplomatic visa waivers; research and development; joint knowledge sharing programmes; exchange of faculty, scientists and research scholars; and exchange of research materials and information. "

He also confirmed that tourists from Norway will soon be able to avail of the visa on arrival facility in India.

"I am pleased to inform you that Norway will feature in the list of few countries to be soon granted the facility of Tourist Visa on Arrival which will greatly facilitate travel for Norwegian citizens to India," he said.

President Mukherjee, who is on a two-day visit to Norway, will travel to Finland later on Tuesday.