India & Sweden Convene The Seventh Session Of Foreign Office Consultations In Stockholm

India and Sweden convened the seventh session of Foreign Office Consultations in Stockholm yesterday. During the session, both sides welcomed the progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation. They deliberated on the way forward in priority sectors of Innovation, trade and investment. Both countries stressed the need to focus on new emerging technologies like semiconductors, green steel and green batteries.

 The two sides also discussed security aspects including cyber security and counter-terrorism. They agreed to consider collaboration in the defence sector. They exchanged views to cooperate in the reforms of the United Nations Security Council, especially in the build-up to the Summit of the Future. They noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation to further strengthen India-EU bilateral cooperation. They emphasised the need for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free trade agreement. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Indian side was led by Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs while the Swedish by State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sweden, Jan Knutsson.