Sweden Confers ‘Royal Order of Polar Star Commander Grand Cross’ Upon PM Modi; 31st Global Honour

Prime

Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Sweden’s prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, one of the highest honours awarded to foreign dignitaries. The award, considered the utmost recognition for a Head of Government, marks the 31st international honour bestowed upon PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sweden on Sunday, beginning the second leg of his four-nation Europe tour. He has already visited the Netherlands, where he inked 17 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, critical minerals and other key sectors. In Sweden, PM Modi is expected to hold talks on trade, technology, defence and other key sectors.The prime minister’s aircraft was escorted by the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen Fighter jets while landing in Gothenburg. The Gripen Fighter Jets have the latest systems, sensors, weapons and pods to ensure combat advantage.As PM Modi landed in Sweden’s Gothenburg, he was accorded a warm welcome at the airport by his counterpart Ulf Kristersson. Kristersson received PM Modi at the airport. Soon after landing in Gothenburg, PM Modi met members of the Indian diaspora who were there to greet him. He was welcomed with musical performances, including the rendition of a bhajan by a Swedish woman."My friend, a very warm welcome to Sweden once again. Two democracies, one strong partnership," Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson posted on X after welcoming PM Modi."Landed in Gothenburg, Sweden. I will be meeting Prime Minister Kristersson with the aim of advancing the India-Sweden friendship in trade, investments, innovation, defence and more. With PM Kristersson and President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, I will be meeting European business leaders at the European Business Round Table for Industry. This will also deepen investment linkages between India and Europe,” PM Modi posted on X.PM Modi’s two-day Sweden tour will focus on exploring new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral trade, which reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025. The two sides are also set to focus on boosting ties in areas of green transition, AI, emerging technologies, startups, resilient supply chains, space, climate action and people-to-people ties.