Modi Receives Sweden’s Prestigious ‘Order of the Polar Star’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the prestigious Swedish honour conferred upon him represents the collective achievements of the people of India and reflects the growing strength of India-Sweden relations.
Addressing top industry leaders during the CEO Round Table at the European Round Table for Industry meeting in Gothenburg, Modi said the ‘Order of the Polar Star’ was not a personal recognition alone, but a tribute to India’s 140 crore citizens and to those who have worked to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
He noted that the award symbolises the expanding trust and engagement between India and Sweden across strategic sectors including innovation, sustainability and advanced industry.
India-Sweden Ties Elevated To Strategic Partnership
During the high-level discussions, India and Sweden agreed to formally elevate bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, signalling a new phase in diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi said the relationship between the two democracies is rooted in common principles such as rule of law, innovation-led development and people-centric governance. He added that both nations see sustainability as a shared global responsibility and democracy as a core strength.
The Prime Minister stated that the discussions focused on leveraging these shared values to expand cooperation in technology, manufacturing, green transition and industrial growth.
Business Leaders Join High-Level Economic Discussions
The meeting in Gothenburg brought together leading industrialists and executives from Europe under the umbrella of the European Round Table for Industry, one of Europe’s most influential business forums.
The organisation includes chief executives and chairpersons of major multinational companies operating across industrial and technological sectors. The forum regularly engages with European Union institutions and governments on policy, trade and economic matters.
Officials said the interaction centred on strengthening investment opportunities, innovation partnerships and long-term industrial collaboration between India and European economies.
India-EU Cooperation Expands Across Multiple Fronts
The development comes amid broader momentum in India-European Union relations, including progress on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and growing cooperation in security, defence and technology.
Recent engagements between India and the European bloc have also included a Mobility Agreement and expanded work through the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, aimed at boosting collaboration in critical and emerging sectors.
Diplomatic observers view the elevation of India-Sweden relations as part of New Delhi’s larger strategy to deepen partnerships with key European nations in trade, technology and sustainable development.
