Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson on Sunday, where the two leaders decided to elevate Indo-Swedish relations to a “strategic partnership”.
Modi and Christerson’s talks focused on trade, defence, innovation, artificial intelligence and climate change, among others.
“I had great discussions with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. It was great that Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria also joined the meeting. I also conveyed the wishes of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden. I express my gratitude to them,” Modi said in a post on X.
He noted that India’s relations with Sweden are built on strong foundations of democratic values, rule of law and people-centred development. Prime Minister Modi added: “Given our increasing cooperation in all areas, we have decided to upgrade our relationship to a strategic partnership.”
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During the delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the entire scope of Indo-Swedish relations. Prime Minister Modi said their strategic partnership will focus on and take forward “green transformation, security, emerging technology and people-to-people relations”.
Speaking during a joint press meet with Prime Minister Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Modi said, “We have good potential in sectors like artificial intelligence, health technology and green mobility. During the AI Impact Summit in India, a delegation from Sweden participated. We will work on the Swedish technology and artificial intelligence corridor.”
He said that the production facilities of Swedish companies in India are evidence that the two countries are moving towards a long-term industrial partnership.
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Modi further stated that India and Sweden agreed that terrorism poses a serious challenge to all humanity.
He added, “I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Kristersson for the support we received from Sweden following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year. We will continue the fight against terrorism and its supporters.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson praised India’s achievements in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Kristersson also noted the positive contribution of the Indian community to the Swedish economy and innovation system.
The Ministry of External Affairs detailed five outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sweden:
- Upgrading bilateral relations between India and Sweden to the level of a strategic partnership – adopting a joint statement and joint action plan (2026-2030).
- Launch of India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0
- Approval of the joint development of the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC)
- – Doubling bilateral economic, trade and investment exchange during the next five years
- Indo-Sweden SME development and start-up platform
Bilateral trade volume between India and Sweden will reach US$7.75 billion in 2025.
Prime Minister Modi receives the Royal Pole Star Medal from Sweden
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received the Royal Swedish Order of the Polar Star and the Grand Cross of the Commander, the highest recognition and honor that can be given to a head of government. This marks the 31st global honor for Prime Minister Modi.
Swedish Prime Minister’s gift of ‘Tagore Poems’ to Modi
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson gifted Modi an exact copy of two handwritten poems by Rabindranath Tagore.
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