India Gains Recognition as Global Force in Science and Technology: UK Minister
India is rapidly emerging as a dominant force in science and technology, and the United Kingdom is keen to strengthen collaboration in this space, according to Britain’s Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation, Lord Patrick Vallance. Speaking at the India Global Forum's Future Frontiers event held at the Science Museum in London, Vallance emphasized the growing importance of India’s role on the global innovation stage and highlighted the need for deeper academic and industry partnerships between the two nations.
At the session titled ‘Unlocking UK-India Collaboration for a New Era of Innovation,’ Vallance stressed that the most meaningful collaborations often happen not just at a governmental level, but through direct links between scientists and researchers. “Government-to-government relationships on science aren’t actually what drives everything. It has to be scientist to scientist. There are important academic links, and I’d like to see more of that as India becomes an increasingly powerful player in the science and tech space,” he said.
The event showcased the growing synergy between India and the UK, particularly as both nations prepare to align their strategic interests in science, technology, and innovation. Vallance revealed that the UK government is on the verge of releasing a new Industrial Strategy, which will serve as a blueprint for areas of focus in the UK-India partnership. This upcoming strategy is expected to emphasize collaboration in sectors such as clean energy, healthcare, biotechnology, and digital innovation.
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also addressed the forum, underlining the broad benefits of the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK. According to Goyal, the FTA serves not just as an economic arrangement but as a symbol of trust and long-term friendship between the two nations. “A Free Trade Agreement demonstrates to the world that the two countries are friends, allies, and plan to work together closely; they trust each other,” Goyal stated.
The discussions were not limited to high-level policy talks. The forum also featured hands-on collaboration between Indian startups and international investors through the ‘Pitchers and Punters’ showcase. This curated session allowed Indian entrepreneurs to present their innovations to a panel of global venture capitalists and energy experts.
Among the standout companies featured were Zypp Electric, Lina Energy, Steamology Motion Ltd, and Electric Miles. Zypp Electric, an Indian startup focused on clean mobility, was awarded the Clean Tech Award by Octopus Energy, a UK-based renewable energy firm. This win underscores the growing global recognition of Indian innovation, especially in sustainability and climate-tech solutions.
Lord Ara Darzi, a leading British surgeon and health reform advocate, lauded India’s progress in healthcare and technology. He pointed to India's “transformative health solutions” and its status as a production powerhouse. “India represents both intellectual and production power, and it is exactly this capability that the UK must partner with,” said Darzi, reinforcing the message that collaboration with India is not just desirable but essential.
The forum served as a confluence of vision, talent, and strategy. It offered a glimpse into a future where India and the UK co-develop solutions in everything from renewable energy to healthcare technology and artificial intelligence. The momentum for this partnership is clearly building, with both sides recognizing that combining strengths will lead to mutual economic growth and scientific advancement.
The emphasis on mobility for skilled professionals was another critical component of the discussion. Vallance highlighted the UK’s Global Talent Visa as a mechanism to facilitate the movement of researchers and tech professionals between the two countries. This visa route is expected to be key in ensuring that the collaboration between Indian and British scientific communities translates into tangible outcomes.
As both countries look toward a future shaped by innovation, sustainability, and knowledge-based growth, the relationship between India and the UK is set to become a cornerstone of global technological progress. India’s trajectory in science and technology is no longer just one of catching up, but of leading in various domains—from renewable energy to digital health. With strong bilateral support, collaborative frameworks, and shared values, India and the UK are poised to redefine the global innovation landscape together.