In a significant diplomatic gesture underscoring deepening bilateral ties, the Kingdom of Sweden conferred the prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
The award, one of Sweden’s highest civilian honours, recognises outstanding contributions to international relations, statesmanship, and global cooperation. It was bestowed upon him on his arrival at Gothenburg in Sweden during his ongoing five-nation tour, which includes a key stop in Sweden focused on trade, defence, innovation, green technology, and strategic partnerships.
|| #IndiaSweden🇮🇳🇸🇪 ||
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 17, 2026
𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐌 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐢.
Royal Order of Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross is the utmost recognition and honour that can be conferred… pic.twitter.com/o4kkJashxi
A special ceremony was held at Gothenburg, where Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred gave the award to PM Modi. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep gratitude to Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria and to the people of Sweden for this honour. He dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and to the enduring friendship between India and Sweden.
He noted that the conferment of the Royal Order of the Polar Star is a reaffirmation of the historic ties and civilizational bonds between India and Sweden, and a tribute to the warmth and affection that unite the two peoples.
This marks the 31st international honour bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi by foreign governments, cementing his reputation as a globally respected leader. The recognition stands as a powerful testament to India’s rising global stature under his leadership and his visionary statesmanship on the world stage, where he has consistently championed multilateralism, sustainable development, and stronger North-South partnerships.
Symbol of Enduring Friendship
The Royal Order of the Polar Star (Kungliga Nordstjärneorden) is traditionally awarded for exceptional service in civic merits, science, literature, and fostering international goodwill. Established in 1748, the Commander Grand Cross grade is among its highest distinctions, typically reserved for heads of state, senior dignitaries, and individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Swedish interests and global harmony.
Swedish officials highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s role in elevating India-Sweden relations to new heights. Bilateral trade has grown robustly, reaching approximately $7.75 billion in recent years, with collaborations in defence (including Saab’s manufacturing initiatives in India), clean energy, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
During his visit to Gothenburg, Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome, including flypasts by Gripen jets, reflecting the strong defence and technological synergy between the two nations.
