Gothengburg, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Sweden visit during his five-nation tour with India and Sweden elevating bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in technology, trade, innovation and sustainability.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit produced six key outcomes designed to deepen long-term economic and strategic engagement between the two countries.
The foremost outcome was the elevation of India-Sweden relations to a Strategic Partnership through the adoption of a Joint Statement and Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030. The framework seeks to strengthen economic and security resilience and expand cooperation across strategic dialogue, next-generation economic ties, emerging technologies, trusted connectivity, sustainability and people-to-people engagement.
A second major outcome was the launch of the India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0, including plans to establish a virtual India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre. The initiative aims to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum computing, sustainable mining, critical minerals, space and life sciences, while expanding existing cooperation in renewable energy and smart infrastructure.
The two countries also endorsed the development of the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC), aimed at promoting collaboration in AI, digital transformation and advanced technology research while encouraging stronger industry and startup partnerships.
Another significant outcome was the shared objective of doubling bilateral trade and investment over the next five years. The initiative is expected to support business growth, strengthen trade facilitation mechanisms and advance India’s manufacturing ambitions under the ‘Make in India’ programme.
The visit further saw agreement on developing an India-Sweden SME and Start-up Platform to support entrepreneurship, innovation and employment generation, particularly among youth.
The sixth outcome was the institution of the ‘Tagore-Sweden’ Lecture Series under the theme ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’, aimed at expanding cultural and intellectual engagement and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Earlier, PM Modi joined Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Roundtable for Industry, where discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and investment linkages. Modi and Kristersson also held delegation-level talks to further advance bilateral ties.
