Modi and Kristersson unveil sweeping India Sweden strategic partnership focused on AI, trade and defence….reports Asian Lite News
India and Sweden on Sunday elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide ranging talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during his official visit to Gothenburg.
The announcement came as both nations unveiled an ambitious roadmap aimed at boosting cooperation across defence, emerging technologies, trade, green transition, innovation and people to people exchanges.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two Prime Ministers agreed to deepen engagement in strategic sectors while reaffirming their shared commitment to democracy, sustainable development and a rules based international order.
“At the invitation of Sweden Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Gothenburg,” the MEA said in the statement.
Recognising the growing convergence of interests between the two countries, the leaders formally elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership built on four key pillars: strategic dialogue and security, economic cooperation, emerging technologies and trusted connectivity, and collaboration on sustainability and resilience.
An upgraded Joint Action Plan for 2026 to 2030 was also endorsed to guide the implementation of the partnership.
The two leaders stressed the importance of the India European Union Summit held earlier this year in New Delhi and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India EU relations, including progress on the India EU Free Trade Agreement and mobility cooperation.
In a major economic push, both countries announced a shared objective of doubling bilateral trade and investment within the next five years through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Made with Sweden”.
The leaders also highlighted the growing role of the India Sweden Business Leaders Round Table and announced that a bilateral summit titled “India Sweden: Stronger Together towards 2047” will be hosted in India in 2027.
Technology and innovation featured prominently in the discussions, with both Prime Ministers agreeing to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation and advanced technologies.
The MEA statement said the two countries will strengthen collaboration through the Sweden India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor and launch an upgraded Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0. They also agreed to establish an India Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre.
Prime Minister Kristersson congratulated India on the success of the AI Impact Summit, while Modi appreciated the participation of Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch and a large Swedish delegation from the AI sector.
Space cooperation also received a boost, with the leaders welcoming collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Swedish Institute for Space Physics on India’s Venus Orbiter Mission.
Climate and industrial transition were another major focus of the talks. The leaders backed an expanded role for the Leadership Group for Industry Transition and agreed to support the next phase of the initiative, LeadIT 3.0, expected to be announced at COP31.
India and Sweden also discussed strengthening cooperation in mining and critical minerals, including refining and downstream processing capabilities aimed at building resilient supply chains for rare earths and other strategic resources.
The two leaders underlined the importance of stronger connectivity and mobility between the countries, including greater movement of students, researchers and skilled workers under initiatives such as “Study in Sweden” and “Work in Sweden”. They also supported exploring the possibility of direct regular air links between India and Sweden.
On security issues, Modi and Kristersson strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, including cross border terrorism. They specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders called for dismantling terror safe havens and reaffirmed support for coordinated global action against terrorist groups and terror financing through platforms including the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force.
Sweden also reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council.
The two Prime Ministers further stressed the importance of the India Nordic Partnership and said they looked forward to the third India Nordic Summit scheduled to take place in Oslo on May 19, 2026.
