Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sunday for an important two-day official visit. This is his first visit to the Nordic country since his landmark 2018 trip for the first India-Nordic Summit.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson invited Modi for the visit. The Sweden trip is the third stop in Modi’s five-nation tour. He earlier visited the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands.
This visit also carries extra importance. It is Modi’s first major Europe trip since the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement came into effect in January.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both sides will review the “entire gamut of bilateral relations” and push for stronger cooperation under the new India-EU trade deal.
Trade and Investment at the Centre
Trade remains the main focus of the visit. India and Sweden recorded bilateral trade worth $7.75 billion in 2025. The figure marked a new high in economic ties.
More than 280 Swedish manufacturing companies operate in India. Around 75 Indian technology firms also run operations in Sweden.
Key Topics of Discussion
Industry and Economic Reforms
Modi and Kristersson will address the European Round Table for Industry along with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Modi is expected to promote India’s economic reforms before leading European business executives. He will highlight simpler taxation systems and updated labour laws to attract more investment.
AI, Semiconductors and Space Cooperation
India and Sweden will discuss cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Space collaboration will also remain a key subject. The talks follow support from the Swedish Institute of Space Physics for Indian Space Research Organisation’s upcoming Venus Orbiter Mission.
Defence Manufacturing
Both countries will also strengthen defence cooperation. Leaders will discuss joint production of advanced defence equipment under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The discussions will build on the 2019 General Security Agreement between the two nations.
Green Industry and Climate Action
India and Sweden will review progress under LeadIT 2.0. The initiative runs from 2024 to 2026. Both countries launched it during COP28. The programme helps heavy industries shift toward low-carbon operations through technology sharing and innovation.
Global Supply Chains and Energy Prices
The leaders will also discuss the impact of the ongoing US-Iran conflict on global trade routes and energy prices. Disruptions in shipping routes and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created fresh concerns over global supply chains. India and Sweden are expected to discuss ways to improve trade resilience during global crises.
MEA Highlights Growing Partnership
The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit brings together Sweden’s innovation-driven economy and India’s strong digital talent base.
“This visit will provide an opportunity to map out future-oriented sectors and explore new avenues of cooperation. Our synergy with Sweden in green technology and digital infrastructure has evolved significantly since the 2018 Joint Innovation Partnership,” it said.
Modi to Visit Norway Next
After completing meetings and business events in Gothenburg, Modi will travel to Oslo, Norway to attend the third India-Nordic Summit.