During her working visit to India, Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga met with the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, the Minister of Civil Aviation and the Minister of Railways on 21 October. The Indian government would like to strengthen the country’s railways and is interested in closer cooperation with Switzerland. The head of DETEC launched work on establishing closer cooperation and opened the Swiss Railtech Networking Forum organised by the Swiss Embassy. The working visit also included tours of energy and environmental projects. Ms Sommaruga was accompanied by a delegation of representatives from Swiss companies.
Video: Impressions and statement of the working visit to India
Video: Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga talks about her working visit to India
Delhi: Swiss Railtech Networking Forum
Federal Councillor Sommaruga opened the Swiss Railtech Networking Forum organised by the Swiss embassy. In her speech, she highlighted the longstanding railway tradition in both countries. The Swiss Railtech Networking Forum was held on the eve of Asia’s largest rail industry trade fair.
Federal Councillor Sommaruga said in her speech: «At a time when nationalism and protectionism are gaining ground in many places we, by contrast, want to catch the opportunities offered by openness and cooperation.»
Delhi: official talks
Official talks were on the agenda in Delhi. Ms Sommaruga spoke with Raj Kumar Singh, Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy about restructuring the energy system. Switzerland has taken steps to improve its energy efficiency and strengthen renewable energies, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels and helping to underpin its climate policy. India is also investing in the expansion of renewable energy and has launched one of the world’s largest solar power programmes.
Ms Sommaruga went on to meet with Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways. The Indian government aims to strengthen the railways and is interested in obtaining innovative technologies, high-quality rolling stock and expertise, in order to electrify railway lines, modernise train stations and optimise operations and timetables. Switzerland has a lot to offer. Closer cooperation is therefore worthwhile for both sides: This benefits the Swiss export industry and safeguards jobs in Switzerland.
In the talks with Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Civil Aviation, the head of DETEC discussed developments with regard to drones and Switzerland’s experience with risk-based regulation.
Federal Councillor Sommaruga and Raj Kumar Singh, Indian Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy
Federal Councillor Sommaruga and Piyush Goyal, Indian Minister of Railways
Federal Councillor Sommaruga at the launch of the joint working group on closer cooperation in the railway sector
Federal Councillor Sommaruga and Hardeep Singh Puri, Indian Minister of Civil Aviation
Coimbatore: CapaCITIES programme and visit of a rice farm
In Coimbatore, Ms Sommaruga visited a biogas plant and a water management project. Switzerland supports the city in waste and water management. Both projects were set up as part of the CapaCITIES programme run by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Biogas plant in Coimbatore (CapaCITIES) supported by Switzerland: Official handover to the city
Federal Councillor Sommaruga with female students (Engineering and Technology) at Singanallur Lake
Planting a tree at Singanallur Lake
Singanallur Lake in Coimbatore: Water management project as part of the CapaCITIES programme
Federal Councillor Sommaruga with the Coimbatore authorities
Afterwards, Ms Sommaruga also visited a rice farm at the University of Tamil Nadu. Thanks to geobased data, rice farmers can react quickly to extreme climate-related events such as drought and rain, and insurance companies receive the necessary information to cover damage.
Visit to the rice farm at the University of Tamil Nadu (RIICE project)
Rice farm: Explanations of the technology used
Federal Councillor Sommaruga and rice farmers of the RIICE project
Bangalore: Tour of an innovation centre and debate on green finance
In Bangalore, Federal Councillor Sommaruga visited an ABB innovation centre and the solar installations that supply the airport with electricity. She also participated in a debate co-organised by Swiss Re on green finance, which focused on ways of promoting climate-friendly investment and reducing environmental risks. During the debate on green finance Ms Sommaruga emphasised that «To keep global warming below 1.5 degrees requires decarbonisation of sectors like energy production, housing and transport. Financial markets can play an essential role in this transition.»
ABB innovation centre
Federal Councillor Simonetta Sommaruga in her speech at a panel discussion in India about Green Financing
Sri Boonila Samentha Swamy Temple in Bangalore
The airport of Bangalore
