In visit to Sweden, Modi urges closer defence, innovation ties
SWEDISH PM LAUDS INDIA AS A GLOBAL POWER, SAYS TWO COUNTRIES A PERFECT MATCH
India and Sweden yesterday agreed to deepen their collaboration through a strategic innovation partnership for a ‘win-win” outcome and strengthen defence and security cooperation as India’s 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 and investment, culture and exchanged views on regional and multilateral cooperation at the delegation-level talks,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
Two documents agreed
Two documents were agreed to between India and Sweden following the delegation-level talks — Innovation Partnership and Joint Action Plan — to maximise bilateral cooperation.
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 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.
Cyber security focus
Modi said India and Sweden have also agreed to strengthen their defence and security cooperation.
“We have decided to strengthen our cooperation in the security sector, particularly in cyber security,” he said.
Swedish Prime Minister Lofven lauded India as a “global power” and said the two countries are a “perfect match”. He said there has been an intensification of cooperation in areas such as green technology and smart cities.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi called on Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors.