Gothenburg, May 18 (IANS). After completing the third leg of his successful five-nation visit to Sweden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Norway, his next stop. Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs released a list of six important results of the visit to this Nordic country.
The first outcome stated by the Ministry of External Affairs is to ‘elevate India-Sweden relations to the level of strategic partnership’, i.e. adoption of a ‘Joint Statement’ and ‘Joint Action Plan (2026-2030)’. This step further strengthens the relations between the two countries in terms of economic and security and takes forward cooperation under four main pillars. These include strategic dialogue for stability and security, next generation economic partnerships, emerging technologies and reliable connectivity, and ‘building tomorrow together’. Along with this, it will further strengthen mutual cooperation in areas related to economic, technology, connectivity and stability.
The second main outcome of PM Modi’s visit to Sweden is the launch of ‘India-Sweden Joint Innovation Partnership 2.0’. Under this, a virtual India-Sweden Joint Science and Technology Center (ISJSTC) will be established. Also, cooperation in emerging technologies like AI, 6G, quantum computing, sustainable mining, critical minerals, space and life sciences will be strengthened. Additionally, existing cooperation in renewable energy, batteries and energy storage, energy transmission, smart grid technologies, smart cities and robust water systems will be taken forward.
The third main outcome of PM Modi’s successful visit is ‘support for jointly developing the India-Sweden Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor (SITAC)’. It aims to strengthen forward-looking AI partnerships, enhance cooperation in the areas of technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and digital transformation and deepen industry, startup and research partnerships in advanced technologies.
The fourth outcome of PM Modi’s visit to Sweden is ‘doubling bilateral economic exchanges, trade and investment in the next five years’. It aims to create new opportunities for trade and industry, advance the ‘Make in India’ initiative, strengthen trade facilitation and fast track mechanisms and continue regular dialogue on intellectual property rights.
The fifth outcome of PM Modi’s visit to Sweden is ‘Development of India-Sweden SME and Startup Platform’. It aims to boost the startup and innovation ecosystem and create more employment opportunities in India and Sweden, especially for the youth, thereby further strengthening the partnership between the two countries.
The sixth outcome of PM Modi’s visit to Sweden is the launch of ‘Tagore-Sweden’ lecture series under ‘Development also, heritage also’. It aims to strengthen cultural and intellectual engagement between India and Sweden. This will boost India’s ‘soft power’ as well as encourage people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi, his Swedish counterparts Ulf Kristersson and Ursula von der Leyen addressed the prestigious forum ‘European Roundtable for Industry’. PM Modi and Kristersson also held delegation-level bilateral talks to further strengthen relations between India and Sweden.
–IANS
PSK/AS
