Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that India had elevated ties with Sweden to a strategic partnership, adding that cooperation between the two democracies was important in a turbulent global political landscape.
Speaking at a press statement at the European Round Table for Industry, PM Modi said, “The relationship between India and Sweden is built on strong foundations of democratic values, the rule of law, and human-centric development. Both countries view prosperity as a means of progress, sustainability as a responsibility, and democracy as a source of strength.”
This came as PM Modi arrived in Sweden earlier in the day for a two-day visit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, at the Gothenburg Airport.
He also thanked Sweden for conferring with its highest honour, the Royal Order of Polar Star.
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The Indian leader also stressed that the two countries will work together in technology, AI, climate change and industrial transformation. PM Modi also highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector.
The Indian leader also stressed that the two countries will work together in technology, AI, climate change and industrial transformation. PM Modi also highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector.
PM Modi On Terrorism
The Prime Minister also hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement struck during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India earlier this year. He said the Security and Defence Partnership and mobility agreements have added new depth to the India-EU strategic and people-centric partnership.
“Political, economic, and strategic convergence between India and Europe is important for peace and stability across the world,” he said. “In today’s tense global environment, close cooperation between democracies like India and Sweden carries special importance.”
He also said India and Sweden shared a common ground on how terrorism posed a grave challenge for all humanity and affirmed that both countries will continue to fight against terrorism.
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Sweden Vows To Help India Achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’
Meanwhile, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson hailed India-Sweden cooperation, while praising PM Modi for the landmark India-EU trade relationship. He also said that the India-EU relationship could become one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century.
“Prime Minister Modi, I know that the year 2047 carries special significance for India, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the republic. You have laid out a clear vision for this milestone — Viksit Bharat. Sweden, and indeed the entire European Union, will stand as India’s partners on this journey all the way to 2047 and beyond,” Kristersson said.
Speaking at the press conference, Ursula von der Leyen also praised the India-EU agreement and stressed that there was “no time to waste” in turning this opportunity into creating jobs and prosperity for the world.
“In January, we not only signed the ‘mother of all deals’; we also moved closer on security and defense, where we signed our partnership agreement. And with the first EU–India Security and Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, we continue to deepen our cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain,” she said.
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