Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Gothenburg and addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT), underlining India’s growing strategic and economic engagement with Sweden and Europe.
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also participated in the bilateral meeting and conveyed warm wishes from King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. PM Modi extended greetings to the Swedish monarch on his 80th birthday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also awarded Sweden’s highest honour, the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross,’ on Sunday, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to bilateral ties and his visionary leadership.
INDIA-SWEDEN TIES ELEVATED TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership, reflecting growing cooperation across key sectors and shared democratic values.
The partnership will be guided by four pillars — Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Security; Next-Generation Economic Partnership; Emerging Technologies and Trusted Connectivity; and Shaping Tomorrow Together – People, Planet, Health and Resilience.
To operationalise the upgraded partnership, the two leaders adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030, which lays out a roadmap for cooperation across political, economic, technological, security, climate and people-to-people domains.
FOCUS ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Sweden relations and noted growing momentum in sectors including trade and investment, innovation, green transition, emerging technologies, defence and security, digitalisation, SMEs, space, research, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
PM Narendra Modi on X
PM Modi appreciated Sweden’s continued engagement with India in strategic sectors such as clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, sustainable mobility and digital transformation.
Prime Minister Kristersson praised India’s progress in digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence and highlighted the positive contribution of the Indian community to Sweden’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
INDIA-EU FTA TO BOOST ECONOMIC TIES
The two leaders underlined that the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement has opened a new chapter in economic and commercial relations.
They agreed to continue efforts for the early implementation of the agreement to deepen trade, investment and technology linkages between India and Europe.
CALL FOR RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAINS AND GLOBAL REFORMS
The leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments and emphasised the urgent need for reforms in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations.
PM Modi thanked Sweden for its support in the fight against terrorism. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, resilient supply chains and sustainable economic growth.
PM MODI ADDRESSES EUROPEAN INDUSTRY LEADERS
Later, PM Modi addressed the European Round Table for Industry hosted by the Volvo Group. The interaction was attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, senior European industry leaders and representatives from leading Indian and European companies.
In his keynote address, PM Modi highlighted the growing strategic convergence between India and Europe and stressed the importance of trusted partnerships in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
#WATCH | Gothenburg, Sweden | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “…In today’s world marked by uncertainty, where supply chains are under pressure, technological competition is intensifying, and both energy security and climate action face challenges, at such a time, India and pic.twitter.com/NGJ5EhhfAa— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2026
INDIA PROJECTED AS GLOBAL INVESTMENT HUB
PM Modi described India as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment, innovation and manufacturing, pointing to the country’s rapid economic growth, next-generation reforms, expanding digital public infrastructure and infrastructure transformation.
Reiterating the vision of “Design for India, Make in India and Export from India,” he invited European companies to deepen their engagement with India as a trusted and reliable economic partner.
IMEC, AI AND CLEAN ENERGY IN FOCUS
The Prime Minister highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), saying connectivity initiatives would add new momentum to India-Europe business cooperation.
He also invited European industry leaders to partner with India in sectors including telecom and digital infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, deep-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, green hydrogen, mobility, healthcare and life sciences.
INDIA-EUROPE CEO ROUNDTABLE PROPOSED
Emphasising the importance of talent mobility and innovation partnerships, PM Modi highlighted India’s young and skilled workforce as a key driver of future global growth.
He proposed holding the India-Europe CEOs Round-table annually and suggested the creation of an India Desk at the European Round Table for Industry.
The engagements in Gothenburg reinforced the growing strategic convergence between India, Sweden and Europe, with a shared focus on innovation, sustainability, technology collaboration and resilient global partnerships.
– Ends
Published By:
Zafar Zaidi
Published On:
May 18, 2026 03:18 IST
