India, Sweden innovation partnership is similar to Israel

NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has addressed the Indian Community in Stockholm.nnHe thanked the Government of Sweden, in particular His Majesty the King of Sweden; and the Prime Minister of Sweden,Stefan Lofven who was present at the event, for the warm welcome he received in Sweden.nnHe said that India is going through a great transformation today. He said that the current Union Government had been elected on the mandate of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.nnHe said the Government has worked towards a developed and inclusive India, in the last four years. He said all efforts are being made to create a New India by 2022.nnThe Prime Minister said that through initiatives such as International Yoga Day, efforts are also being made to see that India emerges as a global thought leader once again.nnHe said the world is looking at India with confidence. In this context, he mentioned humanitarian relief and rescue efforts, the International Solar Alliance, and membership of key regimes such as MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement, and Australia Group.nnHe said the world is acknowledging India’s technological capability, including its space programme.nnThe Prime Minister said that because of digital infrastructure, the format of engagement between citizens and Government is changing. Technology is bringing about accountability and transparency, he said.nnHe said access to Government is no longer a privilege, but a practice. In this context, he mentioned faster file disposal, Ease of Doing Business, GST, Direct Benefit Transfer, and access to cooking gas through the Ujjwala Yojana.nnThe Prime Minister said that through the MUDRA scheme, there are new opportunities available to entrepreneurs. He said 74 percent of the beneficiaries under the MUDRA scheme till now, are women. He also mentioned the Atal Innovation Mission, Skill India and Start Up India.nnThe Prime Minister said that India is also building International Partnerships to boost innovation. In this context he mentioned the innovation partnership with Sweden, and a similar initiative with Israel. He said the Government is focusing on Ease of Living.nnIn this context, he also mentioned the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which he described as the world’s biggest healthcare assurance scheme.nnThe Prime Minister said that these steps are indicative of a transformation in India.nnHe said that towards this end, the partnerships with Sweden and the other Nordic countries are very important.nnThe Prime Minister urged the gathering to not limit their connect with India, to just an emotional one.nnHe said the emerging New India offers them many opportunities to innovate, trade and invest as well.