India and Sweden officially elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sweden. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this renewed alliance is anchored by six new initiatives targeting critical sectors including trade, technology, innovation, and sustainability. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, economic resilience, and green development, as reported by the MEA. During the delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Sweden relations and agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major milestone in the relationship.
A major highlight of the visit was the launch of the India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0, which aims to expand cooperation in AI, 6G, quantum computing, critical minerals, sustainable mining, life sciences, and space technology. As reported by the MEA, the initiative also proposes the creation of a virtual India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre. The leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade & investment, technology and innovation, green transition, space, emerging technologies, defence & security, SMEs, research and people-to-people ties. PM Kristersson appreciated the strides being made by India in the field of digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence, noting the positive contribution of the Indian community in Sweden.
The countries announced the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC), designed to deepen partnerships in AI, digital transformation, startups, and advanced research. According to the MEA, this corridor aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and supports the government's 'Make in India' initiative. The corridor is part of the broader framework of cooperation between the two nations and covers collaboration in green shipping and skilled mobility.
Both nations agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade and investment within the next five years. As reported by the MEA, the roadmap includes improving trade facilitation, promoting intellectual property cooperation, and creating new opportunities for industries and businesses. The bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. The enhanced partnership is expected to significantly boost economic cooperation between the two countries, with leaders agreeing to identify new opportunities in the spirit of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and recently concluded India-EU FTA. Additionally, India and Sweden launched an SME and Startup Platform to encourage entrepreneurship and youth employment.
The two sides adopted a Joint Statement and Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030, outlining collaboration in strategic dialogue, next-generation economic partnership, trusted connectivity, and sustainable development. According to the MEA, this comprehensive framework covers cooperation in economic and green sectors, positioning the partnership for sustained growth over the next decade. During the visit, Modi, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly addressed the European Roundtable for Industry forum. A new **'Tagore-Sweden' lecture series titled
