Glasgow, Nov 2 (FN Representative) In his meeting with Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday discussed ways to strengthen global efforts towards overcoming climate change and to step up Mission Innovation. Prime Minister Modi in a tweet on the meeting said: “Had an excellent meeting with @BillGates at the @COP26 Summit. We discussed a wide range of subjects including ways to strengthen global efforts towards overcoming climate change.”Gates, in a tweet, said he was encouraged to discuss with PM Modi the potential of further investments in science, innovation and R&D in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“Encouraged to discuss with PM @narendramodi on the sidelines of #COP26 the potential of further investments in science, innovation and transformative agriculture R&D as an important foundation for mitigating impact of climate change on small landowning farmers,” The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted that the two discussed ways to further sustainable development and steps to mitigate climate change. The MEA in a statement, said that during the meeting, the “Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the work being done by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in India. “Bill Gates briefed Prime Minister on the progress of Mission Innovation. They discussed ways to step up activities in India under Mission Innovation.” “Promising opportunities in areas like green hydrogen, aviation fuels, battery storage and vaccine research were also discussed,” it said. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, briefing media later, said that Prime Minister Modi during the meeting “noted that there was a hiatus because of Covid and told Gates that he should try and visit India, to which Bill Gates replied that he would try and visit the next year”.
The two discussed how they can introduce green tech in an affordable manner, which would be inexpensive and suited for India’s environment. The PM remarked that the innovation mission had done very well, and said it should take on new areas like green hydrogen. He also said the Gates Foundation had invested in vaccines and in climate resilient infrastructure for agriculture. The Prime Minister later left for New Delhi after conclusion of the high-level segment of the COP26 in Glasgow.