India emerging as major science and tech force, says UK minister at London innovation forum

The United Kingdom (UK) must leverage its scientific and academic ties with India as the latter grows into a dominant force in the global science and technology landscape, said Britain's Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Mr. Patrick Vallance. Speaking at the 'Unlocking UK-India Collaboration for a New Era of Innovation' session during the India Global Forum's Future Frontiers Forum in London, he emphasised the need for increased mobility of skilled professionals via the Global Talent Visa and called for deeper collaboration across sectors. He also announced that the UK's upcoming Industrial Strategy, set to be unveiled in the coming weeks, will provide a framework for future bilateral innovation with India.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, also addressed the forum, underscoring the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations as a catalyst for strengthening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. He echoed this sentiment, stating that mutual focus areas must now translate into tangible joint opportunities. Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Mr. Ara Darzi, known for his landmark reforms of the National Health Service (NHS), praised India's transformative capabilities in health innovation, urging closer collaboration. The forum additionally featured a showcase of Indian start-ups, including Zypp Electric, which won the Clean Tech Award from Octopus Energy.

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