Gothenburg, May 17, 2026 — During a two-day visit to Sweden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, the highest Swedish honour typically conferred on foreign heads of government. The award, announced on Sunday, is the 31st international accolade Mr. Modi has received.
The Royal Order of the Polar Star, founded in 1748, recognises contributions that advance Sweden or its national interests and is traditionally given for distinguished public service. Sweden described the Commander Grand Cross as a symbol of appreciation for efforts to deepen bilateral relations and cooperation across trade, innovation, technology and sustainability.
Mr. Modi arrived in Gothenburg and was formally received at the airport by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. In a notable welcome, Swedish Air Force fighter jets escorted the Indian leader’s aircraft as it entered Swedish airspace. Immediately after landing, Modi and Kristersson held delegation-level talks reviewing the full spectrum of ties between the two countries.
Discussions covered trade and investment, defence cooperation, artificial intelligence, startups, resilient supply chains, climate action, space and emerging technologies. Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025, and both sides expressed interest in expanding economic and innovation partnerships.
The visit is Mr. Modi’s first to Sweden since the India–Nordic Summit in 2018. Alongside official meetings, the programme included cultural engagements with the Indian diaspora in Gothenburg. Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt performed the bhajan “Vaishnava Jana To,” students from Lilla Akademien presented Bharatanatyam, and Bengali cultural traditions were showcased in the presence of PM Kristersson. Mr. Modi later noted on social media the global appeal of Bengali culture, including in Sweden.
This report is based on a syndicated feed.
