UK And India To Strengthen Their Scientific Development Ties
"The United Kingdom and India are trusted partners linked by a unique living bridge that connects our countries and people." "We are deepening our collaboration on science and technology, bringing new innovations to both our nations," Lord Ahmad said, referring to the 2030 Roadmap for India-UK Future Relations.
The visit coincides with negotiations between India and the United Kingdom on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to boost the current trading relationship worth GBP 36 billion by 2022. The tenth round of FTA negotiations is scheduled to begin on June 5 in New Delhi.
Notably, Lord Ahmad's visit to Rajasthan will be his first as Minister for South Asia to his mother's birthplace of Jodhpur, highlighting the region's rich cultural history.
He will visit the iconic Mehrangarh Fort and meet with emerging female leaders to discuss education, sustainability, and gender equality.
Lord Ahmad will launch the 'English Skills for Youth' programme in New Delhi, a collaboration between the British Council and Microsoft India that will improve global employment opportunities for Indian youth, particularly young women.
He will also announce the winners of the UK-India Health-Tech Boot Camp, which will support Indian health-tech innovations, according to PTI.
"The UK and India have an invaluable partnership," said Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India. We are deepening and accelerating our collaboration in health, climate, trade, education, science and technology, and defence as we deliver the UK-India Roadmap 2030."
"With India's Presidency of the G20, we have an opportunity also for the UK and India to work together to shape and deliver solutions to global problems."
Concluding his visit in Hyderabad, Lord Ahmad will highlight science and tech innovations with trips to T-Hub and T-Works, the technology start-up incubator and prototyping facility which are part of the world's largest innovation campus, and space launch vehicle company Skyroot.
He will also visit the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology and discuss the further potential for science and technology collaboration with Indian alumni of Chevening, the UK's flagship international scholarship program.