Gothenburg/New Delhi, 18 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star – Commander Grand Cross during his visit to Sweden. The award is regarded as one of Sweden’s highest international honours conferred on a head of government.

The investiture took place in Gothenburg, where Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria presented the decoration to Prime Minister Modi. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was also in attendance.

According to reports, this is the 31st international honour conferred on Prime Minister Modi. The Swedish royal family decided to bestow the award in recognition of his contributions to strengthening India–Sweden relations and promoting cooperation across multiple fields.

The Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions related to Sweden or its interests.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and his Swedish counterpart exchanged special gifts symbolising cultural and historical ties. The gifts reportedly emphasised intellectual and cultural dimensions of India–Sweden relations.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Sweden as the third leg of a five-country tour. During the visit, leaders from both countries are expected to discuss trade, investment, technology and other areas of bilateral cooperation.

In addition, Prime Ministers Modi and Kristersson are scheduled to participate in the European Round Table for Industry programme, where they will engage in discussions on trade and global economic cooperation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar