India reform drive: Narendra Modi urges Swedish firms to expand in manufacturing and clean energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Swedish and wider European industry leaders that India wants deeper business ties in manufacturing, clean energy and advanced technologies. Modi said India’s reform drive is moving quickly. Modi asked companies to expand work in areas like green hydrogen, telecom, digital systems, and research. Modi spoke during an official visit to Sweden.

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At a European Round Table for Industry meeting hosted by the Volvo Group, Modi said India offers openings for many firms. Modi also said the next stage of technology should be built with partners in India. Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen joined the roundtable. Senior European leaders also attended.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement and India-Europe economic ties

Modi welcomed momentum in India-EU relations and cited the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Modi described it as a transformative economic partnership for trade and services. Modi also linked it to technology, manufacturing, and stronger supply chains. In January, India and the European Union (EU) concluded the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Modi said, "We have set an ambitious and strategic agenda at the level of governments... As Ursula von der Leyen had said, this is the mother of all deals. We are trying to implement this as soon as possible,\" during the roundtable. Modi also said projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) increase value in India-Europe business links.

Manufacturing and green hydrogen mission opportunities in India

Modi said India is among the world’s most attractive destinations for investment and manufacturing. Modi listed fast growth, next-generation reforms, and better ease of doing business. Modi also pointed to governance focus, digital public infrastructure, and a stronger manufacturing ecosystem. Modi said infrastructure is also changing quickly across sectors.

Modi highlighted areas for joint work, including electronics and deep tech manufacturing. Modi also named AI, green energy, infrastructure, mobility, and urban transformation. Healthcare and life science were also mentioned. Modi told European firms they can help India become a global R and D hub. Modi sought more effort in telecom and digital infrastructure.

India reforms and collaboration with Swedish companies

Modi said, \"In the last 12 years, India has been working on the basic mantra of reforms, performance, and transformation. And with the governments political will, this Reform Express is moving forward at full speed,\" while noting India’s young population. Modi also pointed to the expanding middle class and infrastructure development.

Modi urged firms to combine Sweden’s innovation strengths with India’s scale. Modi said both countries share democracy, transparency, innovation and sustainability. Modi said this match can support co-created solutions. Modi assured companies that steps, including an institutional system, can be created. Modi said this would help them join India’s flagship projects in coming years.

India Desk at ERT and India-Europe CEOs Round-table plans

Modi reiterated the vision of Design for India, Make in India and Export from India. Modi invited European companies to work more with India as a trusted partner. Modi also stressed talent mobility, education, and skill partnerships. Modi said India’s young skilled workforce supports future global growth and closer people-to-people ties.

Modi proposed an annual India-Europe CEOs Round-table and an India Desk at ERT. The exchange gave leaders space to share views on economic cooperation. It also reaffirmed interest in sustainable growth and technology collaboration. Participants also discussed resilient global partnerships. The meeting focused on practical ways to build stronger industrial and business links.

Make In India and National Green Hydrogen Mission with Sweden

Modi, along with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prime Minister Kristersson, met select Swedish CEOs. Modi said Sweden and India share values that support a forward-looking economic partnership. Modi said the partnership goes beyond trade and includes ideas and co-creation. Modi welcomed Swedish companies’ long contribution to India’s growth.

Modi encouraged closer work in research, innovation, green transition and manufacturing. Modi invited Swedish firms to expand in India through Make In India. Modi also pointed to the National Green Hydrogen Mission and National Critical Mineral Mission. Modi discussed clean energy, defence, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. Talks also covered supply chains, mobility, life sciences and digital technologies.

Modi said India and Sweden are building a long-term industrial relationship beyond a buyer-seller model. Modi repeated the need to join Sweden’s innovation with India’s talent and growth. The discussions underlined cooperation on sustainability and technology. The meetings in Sweden also reflected wider India-Europe plans. Officials and industry leaders signalled continued engagement on shared priorities.

With inputs from PTI