India and Sweden have elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Sweden. As reported by PTI, Modi announced this major milestone during delegation-level talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, stating that "in light of our growing cooperation across every sector, we have decided to elevate our relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership." The partnership will focus on green transition, security, emerging technology and people-to-people ties. Modi emphasized that "we have good potential in sectors like AI, health tech and green mobility" and highlighted the Sweden-India technology and AI corridor as a key area of collaboration. Latest reports from DD News confirm that Modi interacted with a select group of leading Swedish CEOs during his visit, highlighting India's growing appeal as a trusted investment destination and opening new avenues for collaboration in innovation, manufacturing, green technology and advanced industries. Recent social media updates show Modi specifically met with Swedish industry leaders in Gothenburg, demonstrating the practical implementation of this strategic partnership.
Modi welcomed the growing momentum in India-EU relations, particularly highlighting the successful conclusion of negotiations for the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement. As reported by PTI, he described the agreement as a transformative economic partnership that would create new opportunities in trade, technology, manufacturing, services and resilient supply chains. The prime minister noted that connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) add new value to the India-Europe business partnership. He emphasized that the India-Sweden partnership today is not merely an economic relationship but a partnership of ideas, technology, innovation and co-creation. At the European Round Table for Industry, Modi noted that 'India and Europe can join forces to become strong pillars of stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity' in today's uncertain global environment. The leaders agreed to identify new opportunities in the spirit of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and recently concluded the India-EU FTA for the benefit of their peoples.
According to PTI reports, Modi invited Swedish companies to enhance their presence under initiatives such as 'Make In India', the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the National Critical Mineral Mission. The prime minister highlighted expanding opportunities in sectors including clean energy, defence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. During his interaction with select Swedish CEOs, Modi emphasized combining Sweden's strengths in innovation and sustainability with India's scale, talent and growth momentum to co-create solutions for the 21st century. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in resilient supply chains, green transition, sustainable mobility, life sciences and digital technologies. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed that 'today around 300 Swedish companies operate in India, many of them with their own production capabilities' and noted that this relationship is growing as Indian companies also increasingly invest in Sweden. Modi also highlighted that 'India can become a major partner in 5G to 6G transition, AI-enabled networks, secure connectivity, and digital inclusion'.
During the talks, Modi and Kristersson agreed that terrorism is a serious challenge for all of humanity and emphasized dialogue and diplomacy for resolving various tensions. Modi expressed gratitude to Sweden for support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year and noted that 'India has always emphasised dialogue and diplomacy for the resolution of various tensions and problems'. The leaders also discussed regional and global issues, emphasizing the urgency to reform the UN and multilateral organisations. Modi 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 visionary leadership. The prime minister's aircraft was escorted by Swedish Air Force jets as it entered Swedish airspace, and he received a warm welcome at the airport by his Swedish counterpart. Crown Princess Victoria also participated in the meeting and conveyed warm wishes from the King and Queen of Sweden, with PM Modi thanking his hosts for the warm welcome and conveying warm wishes to King Carl XVI Gustav on his 80th birthday.
As reported by PTI, Modi underlined that India today represents one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment, innovation and manufacturing. He highlighted India's rapid economic growth, next-generation economic reforms, ease of doing business, focus on governance, expanding digital public infrastructure, vibrant manufacturing ecosystem, and rapidly transforming infrastructure sector. The bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. The leaders agreed to continue efforts for the early implementation of the India-EU FTA to facilitate deepening trade, investment and technology linkages. Modi emphasized that 'India today is moving forward with a new confidence' as the fastest-growing major economy, with 'our young population, expanding middle class, and infrastructure expansion giving new momentum to India's growth'. During the AI-Impact Summit in India, a delegation from Sweden participated, and Modi invited further Swedish participation in India's growth story. Separately, PM Modi also met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk and discussed the large scope of opportunities in India and deepening investments, especially in sectors like port infrastructure, logistics and more. Modi appreciated Maersk's longstanding presence in India and encouraged them to invest in new business opportunities in the fields of maritime logistics and port infrastructure, with discussions also covering collaboration in green shipping and skilled mobility.
