India Emerging as Global Leader in Science and Technology, Says UK Minister Vallance

India is becoming a powerful nation in the field of science and technology. In such a situation, Britain should take advantage of scientific and educational relations with India". The above words were said by Lord Patrick Vallance, UK Minister of Science, Research and Innovation. At the Future Frontiers Forum of the India Global Forum held at the Science Museum in London on Thursday, UK Minister Lord Patrick Vallance emphasised the need for greater mobility of high-skilled professionals through the Global Talent Visa and the use of complementary skills across all sectors.

Big Plans on the Horizon: Minister Vallance

In this session organised on the topic 'Empowering the UK and India's cooperation for a new innovation era', the UK minister said that the much-awaited industrial strategy of the UK government will be released in a few weeks, which will outline the focus areas for such partnerships with India.

'India-UK Relations Flourishing'

British Minister Vallance said, "India and the UK already have strong relations, and I think they are growing." He further said that government-to-government relations on science are not really what drives everything. Given that India is emerging as a powerful player in science and technology, I hope to see more of this.

FTA: A Sign of Strong Relations

On behalf of India, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed this forum. He focused his address on the regional benefits of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) made between the two countries. A free trade agreement (FTA) shows to the world that both countries are allies, friends, and planning to work together. They have mutual trust. Goyal stated.

The UK Should Collaborate: British Surgeon

Vallance agreed, saying, "India has its own focus areas; we have our own; now we need to create opportunities in those areas." Lord Ara Darzi, the British surgeon behind a fundamental review of the National Health Service (NHS) and much-needed areas of reform, praised India's "transformative health solutions", saying it is an "intellectual and production force" with which the UK should collaborate.

The forum also included a 'Pitchers and Punters' curated showcase of Indian start-ups pitching to a jury of international investors. Standout companies included Zip Electric, Leena Energy, Steamology Motion Ltd and Electric Miles – Zip Electric won this year's Clean Tech Award presented by British renewable energy group Octopus Energy.