Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden marked a major step forward in India-Sweden relations, with both countries officially upgrading their ties to a “Strategic Partnership.” The announcement came as PM Modi concluded the Sweden leg of his five-nation Europe and West Asia tour on Sunday, 17th May.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the new partnership is aimed at expanding cooperation in important sectors such as trade, technology, innovation, artificial intelligence and sustainable development. Both countries also adopted a Joint Statement and a Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030 to guide future cooperation.
List of outcomes (6 in total) : PM @narendramodi’s visit to Sweden ⬇️
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 17, 2026
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Focus on technology and innovation
One of the biggest highlights of the visit was the launch of the India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0. Under this initiative, India and Sweden will work together in areas like artificial intelligence, 6G technology, quantum computing, sustainable mining, critical minerals, life sciences and space technology.
The two countries also proposed setting up a virtual India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre to strengthen research and innovation partnerships between institutions and industries.
Another major announcement was the launch of the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC). The corridor aims to boost collaboration in AI, digital transformation, startups and advanced technology research. Officials said the initiative supports India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision and also aligns with the government’s “Make in India” programme.
Trade, startups and cultural cooperation
India and Sweden also agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade and investment over the next five years. The plan includes improving trade facilitation, encouraging intellectual property cooperation and creating more opportunities for businesses and industries in both countries.
To support entrepreneurship and employment, both sides launched a new SME and Startup Platform focused on helping startups, small businesses and young innovators.
The visit also included a cultural initiative with the announcement of a new “Tagore-Sweden” lecture series titled “Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi,” aimed at strengthening intellectual and cultural ties between the two nations.
During the visit, PM Modi, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly addressed the European Roundtable for Industry forum.
