PM Modi receives Sweden’s highest honour, pitches Make in India push to Swedish CEOs in visit

Gothenburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross', Sweden's highest distinction for a Head of Government. The honour was presented by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria on Sunday, marking the Prime Minister's 31st international award in recognition of his "visionary leadership" and "exceptional contributions" to the India-Sweden relationship.

The Prime Minister, arriving in Gothenburg for a two-day official visit, was received by his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson. Dedicating the prestigious award to the historic ties between the two nations, Modi described it as a tribute to the warmth shared between the people of India and Sweden.

A royal tribute to civilisational bonds

The Royal Order of the Polar Star, an institution dating back to 1748, is reserved for those who demonstrate significant personal endeavours for Sweden or successful performance of public duties. This visit also served as a moment to reflect on deep-rooted intellectual connections. In the presence of Crown Princess Victoria, PM Modi and PM Kristersson exchanged special gifts commemorating Rabindranath Tagore.

The gesture marks the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Laureate’s historic 1926 visit to Sweden. Tagore, who could not travel to receive his Nobel Prize in 1913, was later received by King Gustav V in 1921. This modern exchange reaffirms an enduring bond that spans over a century of cultural and intellectual history.

Strategic pitch for industrial growth

Beyond the ceremony, the Prime Minister moved quickly to economic priorities, holding discussions with select Swedish CEOs to highlight India’s rapid transformation. He made a strong pitch for Swedish firms to expand their presence in India, specifically citing the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the National Critical Mineral Mission.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the two nations are joined by shared values of transparency, innovation, and sustainability. He suggested a strong synergy: combining Sweden’s prowess in innovation with India’s immense scale and talent. The focus remains on moving the relationship beyond a simple buyer-seller dynamic toward a long-term industrial partnership.

Co-creating the 21st century economy

Discussions between the leaders and industry heads touched upon critical sectors including semiconductors, defence, and sustainable mobility. Modi highlighted India’s strong domestic demand and digital public infrastructure as key drivers for future cooperation in resilient supply chains and life sciences.

Addressing the broader trade landscape, the Prime Minister noted the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in January. He described the pact as a major opportunity for investors and innovators alike, echoing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s description of the agreement as the "mother of all deals". This strategic framework is expected to underpin new solutions for the 21st century as both nations seek a green transition and digital advancement.