Mumbai, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held a crucial meeting in Gothenburg, marking a significant step in India-Sweden relations. During their discussions, both leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, enhance cooperation across various sectors, and collaborate on global issues.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on social media platform ‘X’ that Prime Minister Modi engaged in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Kristersson, which also included Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria, who conveyed greetings from the Swedish King and Queen.
Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Sweden and extended birthday wishes to King Carl Gustaf on his 80th birthday.
The Ministry highlighted that both leaders reviewed all aspects of India-Sweden relations and agreed to elevate them to the level of a ‘strategic partnership,’ which is considered a major and significant step in their bilateral ties.
The discussions covered topics such as trade and investment, technology and innovation, green transition, space, emerging technologies, defense and security, small and medium enterprises, research, and strengthening people-to-people connections.
They also agreed to identify new opportunities under the India-European Union (EU) strategic partnership and the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for the benefit of both nations’ citizens.
According to Jaiswal, Prime Minister Kristersson praised India’s progress in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. He acknowledged the positive contributions of the Indian community in Sweden. Modi invited Sweden to participate more actively in India’s development journey.
The Ministry emphasized that discussions also focused on strengthening reliable supply chains, green transitions, sustainable transport, life sciences, and enhancing cooperation in digital technologies.
Modi mentioned India’s rapid economic progress, driven by reforms, strong domestic demand, digital public infrastructure, expansion of manufacturing, and development of modern infrastructure. He invited Swedish companies to invest and expand in India, highlighting initiatives like “Make in India,” the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the National Critical Mineral Mission, along with growing opportunities in clean energy, defense, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
The Ministry noted that the India-Sweden relationship has evolved beyond mere economic cooperation to a partnership in ideas, technology, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. Modi appreciated the long-standing contributions of Swedish companies to India’s development and urged them to deepen their engagement in research, innovation, green transitions, and manufacturing.
Both leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, emphasizing the need for reforms in the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral institutions, and agreed to enhance cooperation on international platforms.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.