India is becoming a significant player in the fields of science and technology, according to a UK minister speaking at an innovation forum in London.

The United Kingdom (UK) should take advantage of its scientific and academic connections with India as the country evolves into a key player in the global science and technology arena, stated Mr. Patrick Vallance, Britain's Minister for Science, Research and Innovation. While 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 highlighted the importance of enhancing the mobility of skilled workers through the Global Talent Visa and called for more in-depth collaboration across various sectors. He also revealed that the UK's forthcoming Industrial Strategy, which will be announced in the near future, will establish a framework for upcoming bilateral innovation with India. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, also spoke at the forum, emphasizing that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries serves as a driver for enhancing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. He reinforced this idea, noting that key mutual focus areas need to evolve into concrete joint initiatives. Mr. Ara Darzi, a member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom and recognized for his significant reforms in the National Health Service (NHS), commended India's transformative potential in health innovation and advocated for stronger collaboration. The forum also highlighted a presentation of Indian start-ups, such as Zypp Electric, which received the Clean Tech Award from Octopus Energy.