PM Modi conferred with Sweden's highest state honor; accorded rousing welcome by Indian community
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Sunday, May 17, marking the second leg of his four-nation European tour.
As soon as the Prime Minister's aircraft entered Swedish airspace, Swedish Air Force Gripen fighter jets encircled his plane, forming a protective cordon and escorting him with full honors to Gothenburg Airport.
During this visit, PM Modi was conferred with Sweden's highest state honor: the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross.' This distinction represents Sweden's highest award bestowed upon a foreign Head of Government.
The award was presented in recognition of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Sweden and to foster global cooperation. Notably, this marks the 31st international honor conferred upon Prime Minister Modi—a feat that stands as a global record.
Swedish PM Breaks Protocol to Welcome Guest
Earlier, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson himself arrived at the airport to welcome PM Modi. Typically, a country's Prime Minister does not go to the airport to receive a visiting leader; however, in light of the strong relations shared with India, Sweden extended this special honor. Subsequently, the Prime Minister was also accorded a 'Guard of Honor.'
Swedish opera singer sings Vaishnav Jan To
PM Modi also met with Indian expatriates residing in Sweden, where a grand cultural program was organized. During this event, Swedish opera singer Charlotte Huldt mesmerized the audience by singing the famous bhajan (devotional hymn), "Vaishnav Jan To."
A new beginning in the fields of innovation and defense: PM
Meanwhile, performances of Bharatanatyam and Bengali cultural traditions left an indelible impression of India's cultural diversity in Sweden. PM Modi himself took to social media—writing in Swedish—to express his gratitude to the host nation, describing this visit as a new beginning in the fields of innovation and defense.
Deliberations on green energy, AI, space research, defense
During the bilateral talks held between Prime Minister Modi and his counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, a consensus was reached on several strategic issues. Both leaders discussed trade and investment, which has already reached a value of $7.75 billion by the year 2025. Furthermore, substantive discussions were held on subjects such as green energy, AI, space research, cooperation in the defense industry, and strengthening supply chains.