INDIA, SWEDEN SHARE AN INNOVATION BONHOMIE

One of the key components of India-Sweden relations is the Joint Innovation Partnership.

- RAJESH MEHTA & MANU UNIYAL

For Indians, Sweden is the Nordic country famed for its high quality of life, happiness and satisfaction on a number of global indices. Images of rolling hills and snowy peaks immediately come to mind. When Sweden is mentioned, the Nobel Prize is spoken of, in the same breath. In terms of global recognition, the Nobel has no peer. Founded in memory of the late Alfred Nobel, it continues to stand tallest among the many awards given around the world in recognition of excellence. The prize represents creativity and innovation. It stands for human ingenuity to solve problems to make life better for all. And therein lies the other spirit of Sweden—innovation. In the sciences, defence, manufacturing, technology and more. Sweden stands for innovation and problem solving, which ultimately makes life better for all humanity.

This spirit and this partnership are also reflected in the India-Sweden ties. This week the 15th SwedenIndia Nobel Memorial Week (SINMW) was held in India under the leadership of the new Swedish ambassador to India Mr Jan Thesleff. There has been a flurry of health, trade, innovation delegations from Sweden as well as the visit of the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Mr. Johan Forssell, the Conference on India-Sweden Economic Partnership and many other events like SHE STEM.

The Conference on India Sweden Economic Partnership brought together top business leaders of many Indian and Swedish companies like Saab, Wipro, Ericsson, Husqvarna, Tech Mahindra, Kalap Taru, Volvo etc. Noted speakers included Carl Bildt the former Swedish Prime Minister, Swedish business leader Marcus Wallenberg, Baba Kalyani and Sanjiv Bajaj among others.