India, Sweden to deepen collaboration through strategic innovation partnership

India and Sweden today agreed to deepen their collaboration through a strategic innovation partnership for a 'win-win" outcome and strengthen defence and security cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed a host of issues with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven.

The two leaders had a "fruitful discussion on issues related to cooperation in innovation, trade & investment, culture and exchanged views on regional and multilateral cooperation at the delegation-level talks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

Two documents were agreed to between India and Sweden following the delegation-level talks -- Innovation Partnership and Joint Action Plan -- to maximise bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the people.

In a joint press statement after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said the two sides focused on how Sweden can help India in its development journey.

"Sweden has been a strong supporter of 'Make in India' initiative from the beginning. Prime Minister Lofven had participated in our 'Make in India' programme in 2016 along with a big business delegation," Modi said.

"I believe that the most important topic in our talks today was how Sweden can have a win-win partnership with India on the opportunities arising out of India's development. As a result, we have agreed on an innovation partnership and a joint action plan," he said.

He said innovation, investment, start-ups, manufacturing etc. are the key aspects of cooperation between India and Sweden.

"Along with them, we are also giving importance to areas such as renewable energy, urban transport, waste management, that our connected with the quality of life of the people in India," Modi added.

Modi said India and Sweden have also agreed to strengthen their defence and security cooperation.

"A key pillar of our bilateral ties is our defence and security cooperation. In the defence sector, Sweden has been India's partner from a long time. I have faith that in future also in this sector, particularly in defence production, there will be plenty of opportunities for bilateral cooperation. We have decided to strengthen our cooperation in the security sector, particularly in cyber security."
A Joint Declaration on Sweden-India Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future said, "the innovation partnership represents a step-change in India-Sweden science and innovation collaboration, underpinning our mutual commitment to drive prosperity and address global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development through innovation."