Rome, May 11 -- India's growing economic and strategic importance is driving deeper engagement with Europe, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt said, noting that Swedish industries are preparing to expand into India following the India-European Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In a conversation with ANI, Bildt said India's rapid economic growth and emergence as a global manufacturing hub have made it indispensable for companies seeking a major role in the world economy.

"I think it is very important. It's not the first visit, but the fact that we have a series of them, engagement at the highest level, the prime minister, but also engagement on other levels, business leaders and others. It shows that the relationship is a strong one, but...