Chennai, Oct 13 – UK Minister for the Indo Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrived in Chennai today (13 October) to announce two new technology initiatives aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing action on climate change. The visit is expected to strengthen the UK’s bilateral ties with India by deepening environmental cooperation and exploring cutting edge technologies, including on climate innovation.
The two new technology partnerships with India will boost joint UK-India business innovation, crucial to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s priority of growing the UK’s economy, a media statement issued to Ziraat Times said.
One of the new initiatives is the UK-supported “Smart district” project, which will be launched by Minister Trevelyan alongside Tamil Nadu’s IT Minister, Mr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. This initiative will help respond 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. These sensors will identify patterns and trends to help inform decision making on resource allocation and management.
The other initiative is the Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (EPCP), which was formed between the UK and India last year. This partnership brings together expertise from the Royal Navy and UK industry with that of the Indian Navy and Larsen and Toubro. The EPCP will be at the centre of industry innovation on the electrification of warships.
Minister Trevelyan will also visit the National Institute of Ocean Technology for insights into India’s deep-sea programmes, marine systems, and vessel management. The Minister will then meet Tamil Nadu’s Environment Forest and Climate Change Secretary and learn about UK’s partnership with Tamil Nadu on climate, including the Climate Compatible Growth Programme. At Anna University’s Climate Studio, the Minister will see the unique climate modelling systems on weather forecasting and rainfall prediction.
To reaffirm the UK’s commitment to regional security, Minister Trevelyan will tour Indian manufacturing company Larsen and Toubro’s state-of-the art Shipyard at Kattupalli.
Minister Trevelyan will also speak to Chevening alumni working in gender and women’s participation.
Minister Trevelyan’s visit forms part of UK’s long-term commitment to the region. Ensuring a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific is a key priority for the UK, which is reflected in recent visits to the region by the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly.
During a visit to the G20 Leader’s Summit in India last month, Prime Minister Sunak strengthened regional trade ties and forged new partnerships to deliver jobs, growth and security for the British people. In meetings with Prime Minister Modi, the leaders reflected on the close and growing ties between the UK and India, exemplified in the ‘living bridge’ between our people.
