The award was given on Sunday during a two-day trip that has been all about trade, technology and defence. As the highest distinction Sweden can bestow on a head of government, it is usually for leaders who have done something to further international cooperation. In a way, it is a follow-up to the 2018 India-Nordic Summit, some eight years back, and shows a new strategic direction between New Delhi and Stockholm.
Two-day visit sets a decisive tone
Modi was met by his counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, at Gothenburg Airport with a bit of pageantry – a Gripen jet even put in an appearance to escort his plane in. That set the stage for a full day of work. The two got down to business with talks on everything from defence to the $7.75 billion in bilateral trade they did in 2025.
Here are the key developments highlighted during the visit so far:
– Royal Order of the Polar Star conferred on Modi
– Gripen Fighter Jet escort on airspace entry
– Talks focused on trade, tech and defence
– Push on AI, green transition and startups
– Bilateral trade at USD 7.75 billion in 2025
Economic and tech focus takes centre stage
There was no shortage of topics: green transition, AI, space, startups and making supply chains more robust. “I will be meeting Prime Minister Kristersson to advance the India-Sweden friendship in trade, investments, innovation, defence and more,” Modi put it on social media before he left.
A closer look at the Royal Order of the Polar Star
The Order of the Polar Star, created in 1748 by King Frederick I, is for those with ‘civic merits’ or for work of a scientific or literary nature. The insignia is a white Maltese cross with the words ‘Nescit Occasum’. The King of Sweden hands it out for exceptional service.
Cultural outreach and public messaging
But there was room for some culture, too. In Gothenburg, Modi put in an appearance to see the local Indian community. There was some music, like a rendition of ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ by a Swedish opera star, and a bit of Bharatanatyam. A Bengali display in front of Kristersson also made an impression. "Bengali culture is popular world over and Sweden is no exception,” the PM wrote.
What this moment signals
All in all, the visit and the medal point to a partnership that is ready to get on with things – whether that’s in clean-tech, co-developing in AI, or just the nitty-gritty of policy and trade.
