Gothenburg/New Delhi, 18 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Sweden are giving their bilateral relationship a new direction and emphasised the importance of reinforcing a strategic partnership during his address at the European Round Table for Industry held in Sweden. He said political, economic and strategic convergence between India and Europe is vital for global peace and stability.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said the India–Sweden relationship rests on democratic values, the rule of law and people-centred development. He added that both countries regard innovation, sustainable development and democracy as shared strengths.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were present at the event. Modi said the two countries will develop cooperation around green transition, defence, emerging technologies and people-to-people ties as core pillars of collaboration.

He highlighted broad prospects in areas such as artificial intelligence, health tech and green mobility. Modi said India and Sweden will take concrete steps to strengthen a “Sweden–India Technology and AI Corridor.” Plans are also underway to set up an India–Sweden Science and Technology Centre to boost cooperation in startups and research.

On climate change and sustainable development, the prime minister stressed the alignment between the two countries’ priorities. He noted India’s large-scale work on green hydrogen, circular economy and sustainable infrastructure, saying Sweden’s technology combined with India’s capacity could deliver global solutions.

On defence cooperation, PM Modi said Swedish companies establishing manufacturing facilities in India signal a shift from buyer-seller ties toward long-term industrial partnerships.

He also observed that in the current global context the importance of cooperation among democratic nations has increased, and reiterated that India remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar