The UK and India have announced the launch of a £10 million clean energy research and development (R&D) centre.

It is part of Prime Ministers Theresa May and Narendra Modi’s bold vision for the two nations’ Strategic Partnership.

Ms May is currently on a three-day visit to India to further strengthen the partnership, including in the field of renewable energy and tackling climate change.

The R&D centre will focus on solar energy storage and integration and energy efficient building materials.

Both the initiatives would help reduce carbon footprint and contribute to the Smart Cities programme.

A joint statement said: “We are taking a shared stake in each other’s prosperity, generating jobs, developing skills and enhancing the competitiveness of our two economies and opening up new markets for both of us.

“UK finance and expertise from its world-leading services sectors will help deliver key Indian priorities like infrastructure development, future smart cities, sustainable energy, research and skills. Likewise, Indian investments and business capacities and niche competencies are making valuable contributions to the UK growth and economy.”

The prime ministers added addressing climate change was a shared objective and pledged to work together towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

They also welcomed the fourth phase of the joint UK-India Civil Nuclear Research Programme which will look at new technologies that contribute to enhancing nuclear safety, advanced materials and waste management.

The first India-UK Energy Summit is to be held in early 2017.