India, Sweden Elevate Bilateral Ties to Strategic Partnership
Gothenburg, May 18 (TNT):India and Sweden on Monday elevated their bilateral relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership and adopted a Joint Action Plan 2026-2030 to deepen cooperation across political, economic, technological, security and people-to-people sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral consultations with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Gothenburg, where the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Sweden relations and noted the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across trade and investment, innovation, green transition, emerging technologies, defence and security, digitalisation, SMEs, space, research, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Her Royal Highness Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden also participated in the meeting and conveyed warm wishes from Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his greetings on the occasion of the Swedish King’s 80th birthday.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties based on shared democratic values and driven by innovation, sustainability and research and development linkages.
They also stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level political engagements and institutional dialogues to guide the expanding partnership.
The newly announced Strategic Partnership will be guided by four pillars — Strategic Dialogue for Stability and Security; Next-Generation Economic Partnership; Emerging Technologies and Trusted Connectivity; and Shaping Tomorrow Together: People, Planet, Health and Resilience.
To operationalise the partnership, the two leaders adopted the India-Sweden Joint Action Plan 2026-2030, which provides a roadmap for cooperation across political, economic, technological, security, climate and people-to-people domains.
Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Kristersson underlined that the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement has opened a new chapter in bilateral economic and commercial ties.
They agreed to continue efforts for its early implementation to deepen trade, investment and technology linkages.
Prime Minister Modi appreciated Sweden’s continued engagement with India in strategic sectors including innovation, clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, sustainable mobility and digital transformation.
Prime Minister Kristersson praised India’s progress in digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence and acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to Sweden’s economy and innovation ecosystem.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and stressed the urgency of reforms in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. Prime Minister Modi thanked Sweden for its support in the fight against terrorism.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, resilient supply chains and sustainable economic growth.
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