UK, India discuss ways to enhance cooperation in science, tech

India and UK today discussed ways to enhance their cooperation in the fields of science and technology, innovation, research and development.
British Minister for Science and Universities Jo Johnson today held discussions with Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan and they also announced the India-UK Technology Summit and Knowledge Expo, which will be held between October 24-26 next year at Pragati Maidan.
"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to UK, the two Prime Ministers detailed ways to strengthen ties with the knowledge economies. Deals worth more than 9 million pounds were agreed upon. UK also agreed to cooperate with India in many sectors including clean energy, affordable housing and the Ganga Mission," Johnson said.

He said the India-UK Technology Summit and Knowledge Expo will provide a new platform for investors and innovators.
"The UK's partnership of India's technology summit is a unique opportunity for our countries to demonstrate our world class collaboration in education, innovation and entrepreneurship. The summit will be a standout platform for innovative businesses and thought leaders in 2016," he said.
Johnson noted that the cooperation in the field of science and technology and research and development under the Newton-Bhabha fund has increased from 1 million pounds seven years ago to 200 million pounds now.

The fund aims to bring together British and Indian scientific research and innovation sectors to find joint solutions to the challenges being faced by India in economic development and social welfare.

"The holding of the technology summit next year with the UK as the partner country will be a flagship event to mark 2016 as the Indo-UK Year of Education, Research and Innovation. The summit shall provide platform for linking scientific knowledge generation to market and economic growth of both the nations," Harsh Vardhan said.
During Modi's visit to UK last month, both the countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation.
"The UK and India remain committed to working together to substantially increase trade and investment opportunities. The two governments underlined particular importance of the information technology and digital industries in both countries, and the contribution they make towards strengthening trade ties as a key driver of growth and prosperity," the joint statement said.