Gothenburg (Sweden), May 17 -- India and Sweden took their bilateral relationship to a new level on Sunday, formalising a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Gothenburg, where the two nations signalled a shared commitment to deeper cooperation across trade, technology, defence, and green transition.
Modi, who last visited Sweden in 2018 for the first-ever India-Nordic Summit, was received at Gothenburg Airport by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a personal gesture of welcome. The arrival was notable in itself, with Swedish Air Force jets escorting the Indian prime minister's aircraft as it entered Swedish airspace.
The centrepiece of the visit was delegation-level talks between the two leaders, covering the full breadth of India-Sweden relations. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that both sides agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, calling it "a major milestone." Discussions covered investment, innovation, space, emerging technologies, defence and security, small and medium enterprises, research, and people-to-people ties. Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at USD 7.75 billion in 2025. Both leaders also agreed to pursue new opportunities within the framework of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Kristersson took note of India's strides in digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence, while Modi extended an invitation for greater Swedish participation in India's economic growth. The contribution of the Indian community living in Sweden also received warm acknowledgement from the Swedish side.
Beyond economics, the leaders discussed regional and global concerns, including the need for reform of the United Nations and multilateral organisations, with both sides agreeing to work together in multilateral forums.
Crown Princess Victoria joined the meeting, conveying greetings from King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia. Modi, in turn, passed along warm wishes to the King on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
The visit carried a cultural dimension as well. Modi received Sweden's highest honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, conferred upon him by Crown Princess Victoria. The award, instituted in 1748, is reserved for recognising personal endeavours for Sweden or Swedish interests, including distinguished public service. It is the highest distinction that can be given to a head of government, and marks Modi's 31st international honour. Jaiswal noted that Modi dedicated the award to the historic ties between the two countries and to the warmth shared by their peoples.
Modi and Kristersson also exchanged gifts honouring Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel Laureate, reflecting the intellectual and civilisational links between India and Sweden. The exchange held particular resonance this year, which marks the centenary of Tagore's historic visit to Sweden in 1926.
On the sidelines, Modi met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, to explore investment opportunities in maritime logistics and port infrastructure, as well as green shipping and skilled mobility.
The visit opened with Modi meeting members of the Indian diaspora in Gothenburg, where performances included a rendition of the bhajan Vaishnava Jana To by Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt and a Bharatanatyam performance by students of Lilla Akademien.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.