Royal Order of the Polar Star honours Narendra Modi for India–Sweden relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s top honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, on Sunday. The award recognised Prime Minister Modi’s role in strengthening India-Sweden ties and cited "visionary leadership\". It is the highest distinction Sweden can give a Head of Government. This became Prime Minister Modi’s 31st international honour.

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The honour was conferred by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the recognition in a post on X. Jaiswal described it as \"A reaffirmation of friendship!\" and linked it to India-Sweden relations. Prime Minister Modi later dedicated the award to historic ties.

Royal Order of the Polar Star award for PM Modi

Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X: \"A reaffirmation of friendship! Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred upon PM @narendramodi the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship and his visionary leadership.\" The ministry said the honour reflected warmth between both peoples.

The Royal Order of the Polar Star began in 1748, according to the official website. It is meant to recognise personal efforts that benefit Sweden or Swedish interests. The order also notes achievements in public work and the effective handling of public duties. Sweden uses it to acknowledge contributions linked to national interests.

India-Sweden relationship and Tagore gifts

Prime Minister Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also exchanged special gifts. The items marked Rabindranath Tagore and long-standing civilisational and intellectual links between India and Sweden. The exchange took place in the presence of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria. Officials linked the gesture to shared cultural memories.

Tagore was the first non-European Nobel Laureate. Tagore could not travel to Sweden in 1913 to accept the Nobel Prize. King Gustav V later received Tagore during a Sweden visit in 1921. The year also marks 100 years since Gurudev’s visit to Sweden in 1926.

PM Modi Sweden visit with Ulf Kristersson

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Sweden on Sunday for a two-day visit. Ulf Kristersson received Prime Minister Modi at the Gothenburg Airport. The visit included the award ceremony and the exchange of commemorative gifts. The events were presented as part of ongoing engagement between India and Sweden.

With inputs from PTI