India and Sweden have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Gothenburg on 17 May 2026. According to the joint statement, the partnership rests on four pillars: Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Security, Next-Generation Economic Partnership, Emerging Technologies and Trusted Connectivity, and Shaping Tomorrow Together – People, Planet and Resilience. The leaders endorsed an upgraded Joint Action Plan 2026–2030 for implementation and agreed to strengthen dialogue at political, diplomatic and defence levels, including exchanges between the two National Security Advisors. PM Modi emphasized that cooperation between the two sides in the defence sector is continuously expanding, with the establishment of production facilities in India by Swedish companies demonstrating movement beyond a buyer-seller relationship towards a long-term industrial partnership.
The Prime Ministers announced a shared objective of doubling bilateral economic exchange – trade and investment – within five years, including through the 'Make in India' and 'Made with Sweden' initiatives. According to the joint statement, bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. The leaders agreed to continue efforts for early implementation of the recently concluded India-EU FTA to facilitate deepening trade, investment and technology linkages. They recognised the significant role of the India-Sweden Business Leaders Round Table (ISBLRT) and agreed that a bilateral summit, 'India–Sweden: Stronger Together - towards 2047' will be held in India in 2027. The partnership will be guided by shared commitment to democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order.
The leaders highlighted significant potential in sectors like AI, health tech and green mobility, with PM Modi noting that Sweden participated in the AI-Impact Summit in India. According to the joint statement, they agreed to establish an India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre (ISJSTC) and launch an upgraded Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0. PM Modi announced plans to work on concrete initiatives under the proposed 'Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor' and announced the establishment of an India-Sweden Science and Technology Centre aimed at increasing engagement between startups, researchers and innovation ecosystems in both countries. The Prime Ministers emphasised shared priorities on emerging technologies and trusted connectivity, as well as the critical role of digitalisation, and agreed to strengthen cooperation including through the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).
Climate cooperation emerged as another major theme of the discussions, with Modi noting that India and Sweden already jointly lead the global Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT) initiative which focuses on low-carbon industrial transformation. He said both sides had agreed to begin work on the initiative's third phase. "India is undertaking large-scale work on green hydrogen, circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure," Modi said. "By combining Sweden's technology with India's scale, we can create climate solutions for the entire world." He also highlighted ongoing cooperation between India and Sweden in Arctic research, saying it was contributing significantly to global climate understanding. The Prime Ministers emphasised shared priorities on emerging technologies and trusted connectivity, as well as the critical role of digitalisation, and agreed to strengthen cooperation including through the Sweden–India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).
The Prime Ministers unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They condemned in the strongest terms recent terrorist attacks, including the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025. The leaders called for dismantling of terror infrastructure and safe havens, and for decisive and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. PM Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Kristersson for support following the Pahalgam attack and reaffirmed India's resolve to combat terrorism. "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," he added.
The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of the India-Nordic Partnership and looked forward to the 3rd India-Nordic Summit on 19 May 2026 in Oslo, Norway. During PM Modi's visit, he was awarded the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross' in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship and his visionary leadership. The leaders exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues, emphasizing the urgency to reform the UN and multilateral organizations. PM Modi also met with Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, discussing collaboration in green shipping and skilled mobility, while separately meeting with members of the Indian diaspora in Gothenburg. PM Modi thanked his Swedish host Prime Minister Kristersson and the people of Sweden for their warm hospitality and extended an invitation to visit India. Modi described the move as a reflection of shared democratic values and a common commitment to sustainable and human-centric development, with the recognition symbolising the strength of ties between the two countries and contributions of both Indian and Swedish communities.
