Scotland's International Framework: India engagement strategy

Strategic Objective 3 - Reputation and Attractiveness

Aim

We are committed to building our reputation and international attractiveness by celebrating and promoting our culture and values, boosting our export performance, ensuring that Scotland remains an attractive location for investment and building on our education research capability.

Energy and Water

With India's large population the demand for energy is very high. The Indian Government recognises that it needs not just a plan to add 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022 ^[10] , but a development strategy that will enable it to transition to a more sustainable energy mix. Scotland, which aims to generate an equivalent of 100% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020, is well positioned to partner with India.

Given the importance that the Indian Government is placing on clean water (such as the 'Ganga River Cleaning Project'), there are opportunities for collaboration in an area where Scotland has considerable expertise. This requires co-operation with both state and national governments.

The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland a Hydro Nation. Our water resource is significant and in a world demanding more food and water, there is good reason to nurture it for long term sustainable use. Partnering with India to share best practice on the management of water and developing and piloting water purification technologies, will enhance Scotland's profile as a Hydro Nation and provide direct economic benefit to both countries.

What is our long-term ambition?

• Contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
• Contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 7 to ensure sustainable energy for all.
• Encourage the use of Scottish technologies for water purification in India.
• Support entrepreneurs from Scotland and India to establish water and energy businesses.

Find out more about current collaboration in energy and water

Find out about some of the organisations involved

Updated February 2016

Culture, Heritage and Tourism

Cultural collaboration between India and Scotland helps to develop mutual understanding and build a relationship of respect, trust and celebration. Both Scotland and India have distinct and diverse cultures and heritage, allowing infinite opportunities to inspire each other creatively, share skills and develop long-lasting partnerships. Culture can also be used to enhance educational and business co-operation between our two countries.

India has a growing middle class (expected to reach 200 million by 2020) with disposable income and interest in travelling overseas. Scotland has much to offer as a destination for both new Indian visitors and those with family ties.

What is our long-term ambition?

• Strong, long term cultural co-operation between India and Scotland.
• Greater awareness of Indian culture in Scotland, helping Scotland to internationalise.
• Greater awareness in India of Scottish culture, including better visibility of Scottish cultural acts in India.
• Scotland is established as a must-visit, must-return destination for key Indian tourist markets.
• India is regarded as a key market for the Scottish tourism industry.

European Union

Aim: Encourage engagement with the
European Union.

Our ambitions for working with India align with the first three objectives of the International Framework. However, it is important that Scotland presents its views as appropriate on any EU-India agreements or collaborations.

Delivery

This strategy for engagement with India is clearly aligned with the Scottish Government's International Framework. As such, reporting on the success of the delivery of this engagement strategy will be through the International Framework's reporting mechanisms and contribute to the 'regular updates' that the Framework's accompanying policy statement set out.

Find out more about current collaboration in culture, heritage and tourism

Find out about some of the organisations involved

Updated February 2016