India, Sweden elevate ties to Strategic Partnership; adopt Joint Action Plan 2026–2030
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi/ Gothenburg. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson held wide-ranging bilateral talks in Gothenburg, marking a significant upgrade in India–Sweden relations with the announcement of a new Strategic Partnership.
The meeting on May 17 was also attended by Crown Princess Victoria, who conveyed greetings from King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Prime Minister Modi extended his wishes on the occasion of the Swedish monarch’s 80th birthday.
The leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral engagement, noting growing momentum across trade and investment, innovation, green transition, emerging technologies, defence and security, digitalisation, space cooperation, research, education, culture and people-to-people ties. They reaffirmed that India-Sweden relations are anchored in shared democratic values and increasingly driven by sustainability, innovation and research linkages. Both sides stressed the need for regular high-level political engagement and institutional dialogue to steer the expanding partnership.
A key outcome of the talks was the decision to elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership structured around four pillars: a Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Security; a Next-Generation Economic Partnership; cooperation in Emerging Technologies and Trusted Connectivity; and collaboration under the theme ‘Shaping Tomorrow Together’ focused on people, planet, health and resilience. To implement this vision, the two leaders adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030, laying out a roadmap for cooperation across political, economic, technological, security, climate and societal domains.
The two Prime Ministers also underlined the importance of the recently concluded India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a new chapter for economic and commercial relations. They agreed to work towards its early implementation to deepen trade, investment and technology linkages.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated Sweden’s sustained engagement with India in areas such as clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, sustainable mobility and digital transformation. Prime Minister Kristersson, in turn, lauded India’s progress in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, and acknowledged the positive role played by the Indian community in Sweden’s economy and innovation ecosystem. Prime Minister Modi invited greater Swedish participation in India’s growth trajectory.
The leaders further exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasising the urgency of reforming the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. Prime Minister Modi thanked Sweden for its consistent support in counter-terrorism efforts. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, resilient supply chains and sustainable economic growth.
