Jobs, AI, trade & more: Key outcomes of PM Modi’s Sweden visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday concluded his participation at the European Round Table for Industry in Gothenburg, wrapping up a key leg of his five-nation tour that earlier included high-level visits to the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands.The May 17 event, co-hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marked one of the most prominent recent India-Europe engagements in diplomacy and business.In a post on X, PM Modi said discussions with business leaders focused on strengthening India-Sweden economic ties, particularly in emerging sectors such as futuristic technologies, research and development, artificial intelligence, security, and healthcare.He also invited European companies to collaborate with India in areas such as digital infrastructure, AI, semiconductors, electronics, deep-tech manufacturing, and renewable energy.PM Modi, in a post on X, said: “These outcomes will impart new energy and momentum to India-Sweden relations. I am confident that the India-Sweden partnership will contribute meaningfully in building a more prosperous and forward-looking planet.” Here’s what came out of Sweden visit:MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal listed the key outcomes of PM Modi’s Sweden visit in a post on X.1. India-Sweden ties elevated to Strategic PartnershipIndia and Sweden adopted a Joint Statement and Joint Action Plan for 2026–2030, elevating bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.The framework aims to strengthen economic and security resilience while expanding cooperation in strategic dialogue, next-generation economic ties, emerging technologies, trusted connectivity, sustainability, and people-to-people engagement.2. India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0 launchedThe initiative includes plans to establish a virtual India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Centre.The goal is to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum computing, sustainable mining, critical minerals, space, and life sciences, while expanding cooperation in renewable energy and smart infrastructure.3. India-Sweden technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor endorsedBoth sides endorsed the joint development of the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC).The initiative aims to boost collaboration in AI, digital transformation, and advanced technology research, while encouraging stronger partnerships between industries and startups.4. Bilateral trade and investment target to double in five yearsIndia and Sweden agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade and investment over the next five years.The move is expected to support business growth, improve trade facilitation, and advance India’s manufacturing ambitions under the Make in India programme.5. SME and startup platform to boost jobsThe two countries will develop an India-Sweden SME and Startup Platform to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment generation, especially among youth.6. Tagore-Sweden Lecture Series announcedThe ‘Tagore-Sweden’ Lecture Series will be launched under the theme Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi.The initiative is aimed at strengthening cultural, intellectual, and people-to-people ties.
