Trade, defence & ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision: MEA Secy Sibi George on PM Modi’s historic Sweden visit
Gothenburg (Sweden): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his successful and historic visit to Sweden on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George said that the Prime Minister discussed further elevating ties covering trade, global geopolitical situation and a pitched in for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047 vision projecting Swedish companies to invest in India’s growth and therefore projecting a win-win partnership for both the countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded the third leg of his successful Sweden visit during the five-nation tour, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also listed six significant outcomes of the PM’s visit to the Nordic country before leaving for his next pit stop to Norway.
Ambassador Sibi George said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson exchanged special gifts celebrating the shared cultural legacy of Rabindranath Tagore… strengthening India-Sweden cultural and intellectual engagement; advances India’s soft power and encouraging people-to-people ties between India and Sweden.”
Highlighting that Swedish companies and businesses can participate in India’s growth story, the MEA Secretary (West) also noted: “Small and medium Swedish companies can come and participate in India’s growth story, which was also agreed to. We also discussed enhancing defence and security cooperation…”
Ambassador Sibi George said, “…Each one of them (Swedish business CEOs) spoke about Viksit Bharat… They understand our (India’s) vision — a vision for 2047 as a developed India. They all would like to grow with us and fully utilise the opportunities India offers…”
The MEA Secretary (West) added, “Another important event, I would say, was the first major business meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended with the EU after the FTA was finalised, which took place today at the European Roundtable for Industry meeting…”
Ambassador Sibi George also said, “As you know, we are in a very challenging time in the global geopolitical scene. Both leaders (PM Modi and Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson) discussed that and exchanged their views and concerns on the matter…”
The MEA Secretary (West) added, “It has been another very important and highly successful day of the visit. We started early this morning in the Netherlands, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a special dyke project that separates sweet water from seawater. It is a unique project, which he visited along with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands…”
The first outcome listed by the MEA is the “elevation of India-Sweden bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, that is, adoption of a Joint Statement and Joint Action Plan (2026-2030)” which suggests stronger economic and security resilience, establishes cooperation between the two countries under four pillars: Strategic dialogue for stability and security; Next-generation economic partnership; Emerging technologies and trusted connectivity; Shaping tomorrow together — People, Planet and Resilience; and strengthens collaboration in economic, technological, connectivity and sustainability-related areas
The second key outcome of PM Modi’s Sweden visit is “Launch of India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0”. This means to establishe a virtual India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre (ISJSTC); strengthens cooperation in emerging technologies, including Al, 6G, quantum computing, sustainable mining, critical minerals, space and life sciences; builds on existing collaboration in renewable energy, battery and energy storage, energy transmission and smart grid technologies, smart cities and resilient water systems
The third key outcome of the successful visit of PM Modi is “Endorsement to jointly develop India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC)”. This means to strengthen a future-oriented Al partnership; strengthen collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation; promote deeper industry, startup and research partnerships in advanced technologies between India and Sweden.
The fourth outcome of PM Modi’s visit to Sweden is “Doubling bilateral economic exchange-trade and investment within the next five years”. This means creating opportunities for business and industry, advances ‘Make in India’ initiative; strengthens Trade Facilitation/Fast Track Mechanism; and pursues regular dialogue on Intellectual Property Rights
The fifth outcome of PM Modi’s Sweden visit is the “Development of India-Sweden SME and Start-up Platform”. This means to promote startup and innovation ecosystem; create more job opportunities especially for youth in India and Sweden, reiterating a deeper partnership between the two countries.
The sixth outcome of PM Modi’s Sweden visit is the “Institution of ‘Tagore-Sweden’ Lecture Series of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi'”. This means strengthening India-Sweden cultural and intellectual engagement; advances India’s soft power and encouraging people-to-people ties between India and Sweden.
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were present together and addressed the prestigious forum — European Roundtable for Industry. PM Modi and Kristersson also held delegation-level bilateral talks to boost ties further between India and Sweden.