Namaskar Excellency!
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on my behalf and on behalf of the whole of India for the loss of lives in Sweden caused by COVID-19. I want to express solidarity with the people of Sweden on behalf of all Indian citizens, for the violent attacks that took place in Sweden the day before yesterday. We wish an early recovery for the injured persons in the attack.
Excellency,
Sweden hosted the first India-Nordic summit in 2018. At that time, I had the opportunity to visit Stockholm. I hope we will get a chance to meet again during the second India-Nordic summit soon. His Majesty the King and Her Majesty's visit to India in 2019 was a great privilege for us. I had a very good discussion with them on many subjects. I remember that His Majesty and I reviewed the collaboration on converting crop stubble into briquettes for use in power plants. You will be glad to know that the demonstration plant is operating well. Now we can scale it up for transforming biomass in to coal.
Excellency,
During COVID-19, we have recognized the importance of collaboration at both regional and global levels. India assisted the world in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, by providing medicines and other necessary equipment to more than 150 countries. We also shared our experiences with frontline health workers and policy makers from Asia, South-East Asia and Africa via online training programmes. We have also delivered 'Made in India' vaccines to about 50 countries so far. And we are committed to supplying vaccines to many more countries in the days ahead.
Excellency,
Coordination, cooperation and collaboration between all like-minded countries has become more important in today's environment. Shared values like democracy, human rights, rule of law, equality, freedom, justice strengthen our relations and mutual cooperation. The vital issue of climate change is a priority for both of us and we would like to work jointly on this. In the Indian culture, the environment protection and living in harmony with nature has always been given importance.
We are steadily moving ahead on our commitments made in the Paris Agreement. We will not only achieve these targets, but exceed them. Among the G20 countries, perhaps only India has been able to make good progress on its commitments. Our renewable power generation capacity has gone up by 162% in the last five years. And we have set a target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. By promoting the use of LED lights, we are saving 30 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. We welcome Sweden's announcement of joining the International Solar Alliance. We also invite you to join Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure soon.
Excellency,
The India-Sweden partnership can play an important role in post-COVID stabilization and recovery. We can further deepen mutual cooperation in the fields of innovation, technology, investment, start-ups and research. Smart cities, water treatment, waste management, circular economy, smart grids, e-mobility, digital transformation etc. also have good potential to enhance the mutual cooperation. I am confident that our Virtual Summit today will add new dimensions to our collaboration.
Excellency,
Recalling our joint journey of great friendship of India with the citizens of Sweden, now I would like to invite you for your opening remarks.
New Delhi
March 05, 2021
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks was delivered in Hindi.