India and Sweden Strengthen Bilateral Innovation Ties at 11th India-Sweden Innovation Day

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, called for increased collaboration between India and Sweden in innovation, research, and industrial entrepreneurship during the 11th India-Sweden Innovation Day (ISID) event. Highlighting Sweden’s global leadership in innovation, he emphasized the mutual benefits of cooperation, noting that Sweden ranks 2nd in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII) among European economies, while India continues to climb, ranking 39th globally and 1st in Central and Southern Asia.

This year’s ISID theme, “Accelerating Green Growth for Inclusive Transition,” underscores the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in both countries. Dr. Singh pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious goals, including the target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and stressed the potential for joint efforts in green technology, sustainable energy, and smart transport. He also mentioned the LeadIT 2.0 initiative, a collaboration highlighted at COP28, which focuses on low-carbon industrial transitions in key sectors like steel, cement, and aviation, with a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Addressing the importance of the India-Sweden partnership, Dr. Singh said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized science, technology, and innovation over the past decade, making India a leader in sectors like space and deep-sea exploration.” He also noted India’s upcoming human spaceflight mission and deep-sea mission as examples of the country’s technological prowess.

Research and innovation remain central to the India-Sweden relationship, with several government agencies, universities, and private sector companies from both countries actively collaborating. Leading Swedish universities, such as Karolinska Institute and Chalmers University of Technology, continue to partner with top Indian institutions to advance joint research in various fields. Additionally, Swedish companies like Biosergen are conducting high-tech medical research in collaboration with Indian firms, demonstrating the growing synergy between the two nations.

One of the most significant developments in the partnership is Sweden’s participation in India’s space exploration efforts. The Swedish Space Corporation is collaborating with ISRO on the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), with Sweden providing a state-of-the-art neutrals analyzer for the mission. This marks another milestone in the growing space cooperation between the two nations.

Dr. Singh underscored the immense potential for further collaboration, particularly in addressing global challenges related to energy and healthcare. He also highlighted India’s participation in several international mega science projects, noting the country’s unmatched talent pool and innovation capabilities.