Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral consultations with Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Ulf Kristersson in Gothenburg, Sweden, marking a major step forward in strengthening bilateral relations. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also attended the meeting and conveyed warm greetings from Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for deepening cooperation across multiple sectors under the emerging India-Sweden Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Modi also extended his wishes on His Majesty The King’s 80th birthday, reflecting the strong cultural and diplomatic goodwill between the two nations. The discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including trade, investment, innovation, defence, clean energy, digitalisation, space, research, education, and people-to-people exchanges, all of which are key pillars of the evolving India-Sweden Strategic Partnership.
Elevation of India-Sweden Relations
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to elevate bilateral ties to the level of India-Sweden Strategic Partnership. This upgraded framework will guide cooperation through four core pillars: Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Security; Next-Generation Economic Partnership; Emerging Technologies and Trusted Connectivity; and Shaping Tomorrow Together focusing on people, planet, health, and resilience. The leaders emphasized that the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership will provide long-term direction for deepening political, economic, and technological engagement.
To operationalize this vision, both sides adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026–2030, which lays out a detailed roadmap for expanding cooperation across multiple domains. The plan further strengthens the foundation of the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership by institutionalizing long-term collaboration mechanisms.
Statsminister Ulf Kristersson och jag träffade svenska företagsledare i Göteborg igår kväll. Hennes Kungliga Höghet Kronprinsessan Victoria deltog också i denna interaktion. Vi hade omfattande samtal med företagsledarna om hur de ekonomiska kopplingarna mellan Indien och Sverige… pic.twitter.com/C6Di8In4JI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2026
Boost from India-EU Free Trade Agreement
The leaders noted that the recently concluded India-EU Free Trade Agreement has opened new avenues for trade, investment, and technology collaboration. They agreed to accelerate efforts for its early implementation, which will further reinforce the goals of the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership by enhancing commercial linkages and economic integration.
Cooperation in Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Prime Minister Modi appreciated Sweden’s strong engagement in innovation, green technologies, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation. Prime Minister Kristersson praised India’s rapid progress in Artificial Intelligence and digital infrastructure, highlighting the growing synergy under the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership.
Both leaders emphasized expanding collaboration in emerging technologies, sustainable mobility, clean energy, and research-driven innovation. They also acknowledged the positive contribution of the Indian diaspora in Sweden’s economy and innovation ecosystem, which continues to strengthen the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership.
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Global Cooperation and Shared Values
The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues, stressing the need for reforms in the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. Prime Minister Modi thanked Sweden for its support in the global fight against terrorism.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, resilient supply chains, and sustainable development, underscoring that the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership will play an important role in addressing global challenges.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to deepen bilateral engagement and advance a future-oriented India-Sweden Strategic Partnership built on innovation, trust, and shared democratic values.