Gothengburg, May 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday received Sweden’s ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star’ Commander Grand Cross during his official visit to the Nordic nation, marking a key diplomatic milestone in India-Sweden relations.
The award, regarded as Sweden’s highest honour conferred upon a head of government, was presented by Crown Princess Victoria at a ceremony held at the County Governor’s residence in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
According to the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office, the honour was conferred following a decision by King Carl XVI Gustaf. Instituted in 1748, the Order of the Polar Star recognises individuals for personal contributions advancing Sweden or Swedish interests.
The recognition marks the 31st international honour received by Prime Minister Modi.
Modi arrived in Sweden on the third leg of his five-nation tour at the invitation of Prime Minister Kristersson, following the conclusion of his visit to the Netherlands. His aircraft was escorted by Swedish Gripen fighter jets upon entering Swedish airspace.
During the visit, Modi and Kristersson are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties and explore new avenues to strengthen trade, investment and strategic cooperation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The two leaders also exchanged commemorative gifts honouring Rabindranath Tagore and celebrating the longstanding cultural and intellectual links between India and Sweden.
A key highlight of the visit was the participation of Modi and Kristersson at the European Round Table for Industry, where they joined European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to engage with business leaders on economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
The Sweden visit follows Modi’s earlier trip to the country in 2018 for the inaugural India-Nordic Summit and comes after his two-day official visit to the Netherlands.
