Modi’s Sweden Leg Concludes with Strategic Partnership Upgrade, Major Diplomatic Gains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two day official visit to Gothenburg, Sweden , on Monday, departing for Oslo after a packed schedule that delivered significant diplomatic and economic outcomes. The Ministry of External Affairs described it as a visit advancing innovation, sustainability and strategic cooperation, noting that it opened a new chapter in India Sweden relations .

Among the key outcomes, both countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership , with Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also launching Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 and the India Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor . They set a target of doubling bilateral trade within five years, with current trade already at USD 7.75 billion in 2025 .

On Monday morning, Modi addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) hosted by the Volvo Group in Gothenburg, alongside Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen . He promoted India’s “Reform Express” and invited Swedish and European companies to expand in sectors such as manufacturing, clean energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

He also proposed strengthening business ties through an annual India Europe CEOs Round Table and suggested creating an India Desk at the ERT . Reiterating India’s development vision, he highlighted “Design for India, Make in India and Export from India” and stressed the importance of the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor for improving connectivity.

The visit also carried a cultural dimension. Modi and Kristersson exchanged commemorative gifts honouring Rabindranath Tagore , including facsimiles of handwritten epigrams discovered in the Swedish National Archives , originally created during Tagore’s visits in 1921 and 1926. Modi gifted Kristersson Tagore’s collected works along with a handcrafted bag from Shantiniketan .

Modi is now heading to Oslo for the fourth leg of his five nation tour, where he will participate in the 3rd India Nordic Summit . This marks his first visit to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years.