India, Sweden welcome progress in bilateral cooperation, stress need to focus on emerging technologies

India and Sweden held the 7th session of Foreign Office Consultations in Stockholm on Friday and welcomed progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed ways forward in priority areas of innovation and sustainability, trade and investment.

During the talks, India and Sweden stressed the need to focus on new emerging technologies such as semiconductors, green steel and green batteries. The two countries discussed security aspects including cyber security and counter-terrorism and agreed to consider joint cooperation in the defense sector, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.

In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “Both sides welcomed progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation and discussed moving forward in priority areas of innovation and sustainability, trade and investment and new emerging technologies such as semiconductors.” Emphasized the need to focus on. , green steel and green batteries.”

“LeadIT’s contribution under the India Sweden Industry Transition Partnership in combating climate change received special mention. The two sides also discussed security aspects including cyber security and counter-terrorism and agreed to consider joint cooperation in the defense sector.

For the meeting, the Indian side was led by Pawan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Swedish side was led by Jan Knutsson, State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

During the meeting, the officials appreciated the strong and fast-growing economic ties and noted the importance of organizing the India-Sweden Innovation Bridge, India-Sweden Innovation Day and India-Sweden Sustainability Day as a step towards enhancing business-to-business relations. Said to be an “important step”.

Both sides appreciated the presence of a large Indian community in Sweden, which they emphasized is an important link between the two countries. India and Sweden expressed satisfaction at the growing cooperation to further strengthen India-EU bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in New Delhi on a mutually convenient date.

In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “They exchanged views on cooperation in the reform of the UNSC, in particular in the formulation of a future summit.”

“They expressed satisfaction at the growing cooperation to further strengthen India-EU bilateral cooperation and stressed the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU FTA. “The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”

Relations between India and Sweden were established in 1949 and are based on shared democratic values. According to the statement of the Indian Embassy in Sweden, 2023 will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Sweden.

India and Sweden have long had close relations based on common values, strong business, investment and research and development (R&D) ties and a similar approach to addressing global challenges of peace and security and development.