India and Sweden agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership on May 17, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson in Gothenburg focusing on trade, technology and defence.
During delegation-level talks, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and decided to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership. They agreed to focus on green transition, security, emerging technology and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, for his contributions to the relationship. This marks his 31st international honour.
Bilateral trade reached 7.75 billion dollars in 2025. The sides also adopted a joint action plan for 2026-2030 and launched an India-Sweden technology and AI corridor.
Modi thanked Sweden for its support after last year’s terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stressed the importance of fighting terrorism through dialogue and diplomacy.