India and Sweden recently celebrated the ’10th India Sweden Innovation Day’ with a special focus on the theme “Accelerating Green Growth” on October 9, 2023. This event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral ties between these two nations.
India, currently leading the G-20 Presidency, and Sweden, renowned for its sustainability innovations, have recognized a unique opportunity to form a comprehensive alliance for the future. India’s impressive economic growth and Sweden’s pioneering sustainability initiatives create a platform for both countries to drive transformative changes globally.
The event gathered more than 370 participants, including a delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It brought together prominent figures such as policymakers, industry experts, researchers, and businesses, highlighting the commitment of both nations to promote sustainable innovation and address global challenges.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, India’s Minister for Science and Technology, emphasized, “The India-Sweden Innovation Day 2023 represents a dedicated effort to leverage the combined expertise of our two nations, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions.”
He further added, “This year, nine Swedish companies have partnered with India, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing bilateral relations and advancing green technologies. Our partnership plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and aligning with the United Nations’ sustainability goals.”
Andreas Carlson, Minister of Infrastructure in the Government of Sweden, echoed these sentiments, stating, “The Innovation Partnership underscores our determination to tackle pressing issues such as green energy and sustainable development. Our nations’ relationship is poised to grow even stronger in the coming years as Sweden’s innovation prowess complements India’s remarkable growth, vast scale, and the world’s largest talent pool. As we celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations, we can take pride in our collective achievements.”
Over the past decade, more than 110 Swedish companies have established their presence in India, while numerous Indian companies have initiated operations in Sweden. Impressively, nearly half of the Swedish companies have invested in Research and Development (R&D) and product solution development in India, with one in five establishing its R&D centers in the country.
Tanmaya Lal, Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia, pointed out, “In the past nine months alone, we have witnessed 12 ministerial interactions between our leaders and received several high-profile delegations. We eagerly anticipate even closer collaboration between India and Sweden for a better world.”
Discussions at the event highlighted the importance of embracing technologies and solutions that can have a transformative impact on humanity. These include sustainable energy, safe and efficient transportation, world-class sustainable infrastructure, and measures to enhance safety, security, and the overall quality of life.
Sunjay Kapur, Chairman of the CII Europe Committee and Chairman of Sona Comstar, emphasized India’s substantial size and remarkable growth trajectory. He stated, “India has rapidly progressed and is now considered a shining example of technological prowess. Our commitment to technological advancement is evident through our rapid digitalization programs. India offers not only a vast market but also numerous opportunities, making it an exceptional destination for growth and transformation.”
Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India and Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce, India (SCCI), highlighted India’s significant potential in the realm of green mobility. He noted, “India serves as Volvo Group’s largest hub for research and development, digital innovation, and IT outside of Gothenburg, Sweden. This strategic positioning underscores India’s crucial role in achieving the group’s goal of net-zero emissions. Additionally, India’s transport sector is poised for remarkable growth, with demand projected to quadruple by 2050.”
According to NITI Aayog, by 2050, nine out of ten trucks on the roads are expected to be electric, fuel cell, or powered by alternative fuels. This sets the stage for an exciting and transformative journey ahead, with India and Sweden leading global sustainability efforts.
Ashish Khushu, Chief Technology Officer of L&T Technology Services, stressed the need for innovation, saying, “India possesses a unique advantage, characterized by its robust economy and a vast pool of talented individuals. Companies are increasingly focusing on innovation, recognizing its significance in staying at the forefront of progress. Simultaneously, there is an unprecedented commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and together, India and Sweden create a formidable force to drive innovation and promote sustainable development.”
The event also featured Ludvig Lindström, Senior Business Developer at the International Market Development of the Swedish Energy Agency, who highlighted the significant accomplishments of the India-Sweden Innovation Accelerator Program and discussed future plans.
Per Ahl, CEO of SAAB Digital Air Traffic Solutions, recognized the colossal opportunities in India’s aviation sector. He stated, “The rapid expansion of India’s aviation sector presents a massive opportunity. Our extensive global experience and leadership in the field make our expertise crucial for supporting ambitious initiatives in the country. The relevance of our solutions to India’s aviation landscape is evident, underscoring the importance of a strong partnership. We maintain an open-door policy, welcoming all interested parties to witness our capabilities firsthand. Together, we can forge a collective path towards shaping the future of aviation in India.”
The 10th India-Sweden Innovation Day conveyed a powerful message, urging the acceleration of innovative solutions for a mutually prosperous and greener future. It emphasized the significance of combining the expertise and resources of participants and global stakeholders to achieve the common objectives of both countries.
Robin Sukhia, President of the Sweden-India Business Council, reflected on the collaborative spirit, saying, “The upcoming decade holds great promise for India, with innovation at the center of its transformative journey. This momentous occasion marks the 10th anniversary of India-Sweden Innovation Day, a testament to our spirit of collaboration and progress. While Sweden has consistently been a leader in innovation, countries like India are rapidly catching up due to constant disruption and boundless creativity. Together, we create a bridge that fosters innovation and cultivates synergy to lead the world.”
Niclas Carlsson, Director of International Market Development at the Swedish Energy Agency, emphasized the significant exchange of delegations between Sweden and India over the past nine months. He stated, “This level of engagement is truly remarkable and highlights our shared commitment. Over the past decade, the India-Sweden Innovation Accelerator has introduced more than 200 companies to the Indian market. The enormous interest from both nations is evident, motivating us to recognize projects that can nurture our progress and pinpoint areas where Sweden and India can collaborate.”
In conclusion, the 10th India Sweden Innovation Day served as a testament to the enduring partnership between India and Sweden, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. The event underscored the immense potential for collaboration between these two nations, offering hope for a brighter and more sustainable future.
