New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Norway on Monday after wrapping up a highly successful visit to Sweden, where the two nations officially elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. The transition marks a major milestone in diplomatic relations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defence. The next leg of the journey represents a historic moment, as it is the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited Norway in 43 years, marking Modi’s maiden trip to the Nordic country.
During his two-day stay in Stockholm, Modi held comprehensive discussions with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The leaders reviewed the complete spectrum of their bilateral engagement and set an ambitious target to double mutual trade within the next five years, building upon the USD 7.75 billion in trade recorded in 2025. Key initiatives unveiled during the talks included the launch of the Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 and the establishment of the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, both designed to add fresh momentum to their economic and technological bonds.
In recognition of his visionary leadership and exceptional contributions to fostering closer ties between the two democracies, Modi was honoured with Sweden’s prestigious ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’. Beyond diplomatic dialogue, the Prime Minister addressed the European Round Table for Industry, where he asserted that India’s economic reform agenda is moving ahead at full speed. He urged Swedish corporations to expand their operational presence in India, particularly within manufacturing, clean energy, and the green hydrogen sector.
Sweden forms a core part of a broader European tour that also encompasses the Netherlands, Norway, and Italy, aimed at strengthening strategic connections across multiple sectors. Modi has now turned his focus to Oslo for a two-day visit centred around the third India-Nordic Summit on Tuesday. This summit will bring together the Prime Minister and his counterparts from Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden to discuss shared regional and global priorities.
While in Norway, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja. The two heads of government will also jointly address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the visit provides a vital opportunity to inject new energy into bilateral trade, which stood at approximately USD 2.73 billion in 2024.
