India Sweden strategic partnership agreed after Modi meets Kristersson on trade and defence

India and Sweden on Sunday agreed to raise ties to a Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The agenda covered trade, technology, defence, and other areas. The Ministry of External Affairs said the decision marked a major step in bilateral relations.

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During the delegation-level meeting, the two sides reviewed the full range of links. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the leaders backed deeper work in trade and investment. The discussion also covered innovation, security, and people-to-people ties. The leaders also shared views on regional and global matters.

India-Sweden Strategic Partnership talks on trade and technology

The leaders discussed cooperation in green transition, space, and emerging technologies. They also spoke about SMEs and research links. Bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. They agreed to find new opportunities using the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They also referred to the recently concluded India-EU FTA.

Ulf Kristersson noted India’s progress in digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence. Ulf Kristersson also mentioned the role of the Indian community in Sweden. Narendra Modi invited more Swedish participation in India’s growth. The leaders agreed to advance work in multilateral forums. They also stressed the need to reform the UN.

India-Sweden Strategic Partnership meeting included Crown Princess Victoria

Crown Princess Victoria joined the meeting and shared greetings from Sweden’s King and Queen. Narendra Modi thanked the hosts for the reception. Narendra Modi also sent wishes to King Carl XVI Gustav on the 80th birthday. The two leaders reviewed cooperation across sectors during the visit.

Narendra Modi also received the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross. The award cited exceptional contribution to India-Sweden relations and leadership. The recognition came during the visit, which was planned for two days. The talks took place soon after Narendra Modi’s arrival in Sweden.

India-Sweden Strategic Partnership visit also covered Maersk investment talks

Separately, Narendra Modi met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk. The meeting covered potential investment in India. The focus included port infrastructure, logistics, and related areas. Narendra Modi noted Maersk’s long presence in India. The two sides also discussed green shipping and skilled mobility.

Earlier, Narendra Modi’s aircraft was escorted by Swedish Air Force jets on entry. Ulf Kristersson welcomed Narendra Modi at the airport in a special gesture. Narendra Modi had visited Sweden in 2018 for the first India-Nordic Summit. Soon after reaching Gothenburg, Narendra Modi met the Indian diaspora.

The diaspora event included music and dance performances. Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt sang Vaishnava Jana To. Students of Lilla Akademien performed Bharatanatyam. In front of Ulf Kristersson, a display of Bengali culture was presented. "Bengali culture is popular world over and Sweden is no exception,\" Modi said on social media.

With inputs from PTI