STOCKHOLM:  India and Sweden on Tuesday announced the adoption of the Joint Action Plan aimed at implementing the joint innovation partnership between them.

After the delegation level talks here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven witnessed the signing and exchange of  Joint Innovation Partnership and  announcement of adoption of the Joint Action Plan.

Infusing new energy into their bilateral relations, Mr. Modi and Mr. Lofven held fruitful discussion on issues related to cooperation in innovation, trade and investment and culture.  “I would like to commend the Indian government  and its strong focus on innovation as a key to progress and prosperity, said  Mr. Löfven

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and multilateral cooperation at the delegation-level talks. There are excellent opportunities for cooperation in the fields of smart cities, clean technology, universal housing, renewable energy, e-mobility, start-up, waste disposal, and many others with an objective of creating jobs and sustainable development for the people in India.  They had a productive exchange of views on bilateral and regional issues.

Setting the tone for a fruitful exchange of views at the talks, the two Prime Ministers walked together from the residence of Mr. Lofven to office for the delegation-level talks.

ÂSweden can be our important partner in seeking innovative solutions for developmental challenges facing India today.  A relationship that has grown in intensity over the years and has a huge potential.  The two leaders had a productive exchange of views on bilateral and regional issues,ÂÂ Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a series of tweets.

At the City Hall, Prime Minister Modi exhorted top Swedish CEOs to invest in India and participate in IndiaÂs flagship initiatives. Both Mr. Modi and Mr. Lofven interacted with top business leaders at the Roun.

In his press statement after meeting with Mr. Lofven,  Prime Minister Modi highlighted innovation, investment, start up and manufacturing as the main areas of cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi tweeted Sweden has been “a strong contributor to our ‘Make in India’ program. Swedish PM led a big delegation to the Mumbai summit in 2016.ÂÂ

ÂThis is my first visit to Sweden and a visit by an Indian PM after a gap of nearly 30 years,ÂÂ Mr. Modi tweeted soon after arriving in Stockholm.

Earlier, Mr. Modi began his day with a call on the  King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Leaders exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors.