Gothenburg (Sweden) | Driven by a push to deepen strategic and technology ties, India and Sweden have unveiled an ambitious roadmap spanning artificial intelligence, critical minerals, innovation, trade and cultural exchanges during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country.
During bilateral talks in Gothenburg on Sunday, Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in strategic, economic and emerging technology sectors. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden also participated in the meeting.
The two leaders also agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade and investment in the next five years.
During this visit, PM Modi was also awarded the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross' - the highest distinction that Sweden can give to a Head of Government - in recognition of his contribution to the India-Sweden relationship and his leadership.
"My visit to Sweden was marked by several important outcomes that will add new momentum to India-Sweden relations," Modi said in a social media post.
He further said: "From elevating our ties to a Strategic Partnership, launching the Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 and the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, to setting an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade in the next five years, the discussions were highly productive."
The two sides have elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership and adopted a joint action plan for 2026-2030, focusing on economic and security resilience, emerging technologies, trusted connectivity and sustainability-linked cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
The MEA further said the strategic partnership would be guided by four pillars – strategic dialogue for stability and security, next-generation economic partnership, emerging technologies and trusted connectivity, and shaping tomorrow together through cooperation in areas linked to people, planet, health and resilience.
India and Sweden also launched the "India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0" that envisages a virtual joint science and technology centre and deeper collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum computing, critical minerals, renewable energy and smart grid technologies.
In another key outcome highlighted by the MEA, the two countries endorsed the development of the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, aimed at boosting cooperation in AI, digital transformation, innovation and advanced technology partnerships involving industry, startups and research institutions.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen trade facilitation mechanisms, promote the Make-in-India initiative and pursue regular dialogue on intellectual property rights, with an aim of doubling bilateral trade and investment within the next five years, the MEA said. The bilateral trade between the two countries touched USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
The two sides also underlined the importance of early implementation of the recently concluded India-European Union free trade agreement to deepen trade, investment and technology linkages.
The two sides further decided to develop an India-Sweden SME and startup platform to support innovation ecosystems and generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The visit also saw the announcement of a 'Tagore-Sweden' lecture series under the theme "Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi" to deepen cultural and intellectual engagement, strengthen people-to-people ties and promote India's soft power, the MEA said.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including reforms of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.
Modi thanked Sweden for its support in the fight against terrorism, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace, resilient supply chains and sustainable economic growth.
In Gothenburg, PM Modi was given a warm welcome at the airport by his Swedish counterpart.
Modi had earlier visited Sweden in 2018 for the first-ever India-Nordic Summit During the visit, the prime minister also met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, which is the world's largest container shipping and logistics company, and discussed the large scope of opportunities in India and deepening investments, especially in sectors like port infrastructure, logistics and more.
Modi left for Norway on Monday morning. He is on a four-nation Europe tour which includes the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.