UK minister for the Indo-Pacific region has unveiled a UK-India tech initiative in Chennai aimed to reinforce environmental collaboration.
During an India visit in the eastern state of Tamil Nadu, UK minister for the Indo-Pacific region, Anne-Marie Trevelyan announced a new technology initiative aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing action on climate change.
Trevelyan launched the UK-supported Smart District project, alongside Tamil Nadu’s IT minister, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, focused on responding to global sustainability challenges by piloting the placement of sensors throughout the district to collect real-time data on water and waste management and environmental quality. The sensors will work to identify patterns and trends and help inform decisions about resource allocation and management.
The UK minister also visited the National Institute of Ocean Technology to gain insights into India’s deep-sea programs, marine systems and vessel management while learning more about the UK’s partnership with Tamil Nadu on climate, including the Climate Compatible Growth Program, focused on supporting investment in sustainable energy and transport systems. Further discussions around the electrification of naval fleets and closer maritime security ties also took place.
Reinforcing the UK’s commitment to regional security, Trevelyan toured Indian manufacturing company Larsen and Toubro’s shipyard at the Kattuppalli suburb where last year the UK and India formed an Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP) for industry innovation on the electrification of warships.
The EPCP project brought together expertise from the Royal Navy and UK industry with that of the Indian Navy and Larsen and Toubro.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UK minister of state for the Indo-Pacific, said: “The UK and India are close partners, joining together our unique expertise to work towards a shared goal, increasing security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Our collaboration on a range of issues, including climate change, technology and maritime security, is crucial for addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The recent developments are part of the UK’s long-term commitment to the region and building up on the existing ambitions for the UK-India relationship set out in the 2030 Roadmap.
In a similar move, earlier this year, Lord Ahmad, UK minister of state for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, visited India for a collaboration aimed at accelerating the UK-India partnership on science, technology and health, following a landmark agreement on science, research and innovation signed by the two countries.
