Gothenburg, May 17, 2026 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson met in Gothenburg for delegation-level talks aimed at deepening and broadening bilateral cooperation. The meeting, the central engagement of Modi’s two-day state visit, focused on elevating India‑Sweden ties across strategic, economic and technological areas.
The leaders discussed a wide-ranging agenda that included trade, innovation, defence collaboration, the green transition, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, start-ups, resilient supply chains, space cooperation and climate initiatives. Bilateral trade has been rising, reaching about USD 7.75 billion in 2025, and both sides signalled intent to build on that momentum through new partnerships and joint ventures.
Modi’s arrival in Gothenburg was marked by both official protocol and warm community reception. Swedish Air Force jets escorted his aircraft into the city, and Prime Minister Kristersson personally welcomed him at the airport. Later, members of the Indian diaspora staged a colourful Bengali cultural programme at Modi’s hotel, with traditional dress, folk dance and festivities underscoring strong people‑to‑people links.
Officials said the talks are intended to translate complementarities in industry and technology into practical cooperation — from defence manufacturing and critical technologies to start‑up collaboration and climate solutions. The two leaders are also expected to speak at the European Round Table for Industry, joining European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for discussions with business leaders on industrial and investment opportunities.
This Sweden leg is the second stop on Modi’s four‑nation European tour. He arrived here after a visit to the Netherlands, where India and the Netherlands signed 17 agreements covering defence, critical minerals and other priority sectors. Later this week he will travel to Norway and Italy to conclude the tour.
Officials described the Gothenburg talks as part of a longer‑term push to move India‑Sweden relations toward a more strategic partnership, leveraging complementary strengths in clean technology, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation and defence. Both capitals signalled readiness to pursue concrete follow‑up steps to turn high‑level commitments into projects, investments and institutional linkages.
(Reporting based on a syndicated feed.)
