Modi, who arrived earlier today for a two-day visit, was also awarded the ’Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to India-Sweden relationship and his visionary leadership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Sunday conferred with Sweden’s Royal Order of Polar Star, the highest honour awarded to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s 31st international honour.
VIDEO | Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of Polar Star Commander Grand Cross.
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/GYaeUNl00j
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 17, 2026
The Royal Order of the Polar Star is considered one of Sweden’s highest distinctions granted to foreign nationals and prominent international leaders. The Commander Grand Cross represents the highest category within the order and is typically awarded to heads of government and senior global dignitaries in recognition of their role in promoting international diplomacy, bilateral cooperation and global engagement.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the honour marked a “reaffirmation of friendship” between the two countries.
“Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred upon PM Narendra Modi the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship and his visionary leadership,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.
A reaffirmation of friendship!
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred upon PM @narendramodi the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the 🇮🇳-🇸🇪 relationship and his visionary… pic.twitter.com/PwyK2YIiaF
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 17, 2026
PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson on Sunday, focusing on trade, technology, defence, and other key sectors.
During the delegation-level talks, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explored new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral trade, which reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.
In their talks, the two sides focused on boosting bilateral ties in areas of green transition, artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, startups, resilient supply chains, defence, space, climate action and people-to-people ties.
Ahead of the talks, Modi said he will meet PM Kristersson to advance the India-Sweden friendship in trade, investments, innovation, defence and more.
Separately, PM Modi also met Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk and discussed the large scope of opportunities in India and deepening investments, especially in sectors like port infrastructure, logistics and more.
PM Modi appreciated Maersk’s longstanding presence in India and encouraged them to invest in new business opportunities in the fields of maritime logistics and port infrastructure in the country, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
”They also discussed collaboration in green shipping and skilled mobility,” Jaiswal added.
Earlier, the prime minister’s aircraft was escorted by Swedish Air Force jets as it entered the European country’s airspace.
He was given a warm welcome at the airport by his Swedish counterpart in a special gesture. Modi had earlier visited Sweden in 2018 for the first-ever India-Nordic Summit.
Soon after arriving in Gothenburg, Modi met members of the Indian diaspora. He was welcomed with musical performances, including the rendition of ‘Vaishnava Jana To’ bhajan by Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt and a mesmerising Bharatanatyam performance by the students of Lilla Akademien.
During the reception, in the presence of PM Kristersson, a spectacular example of Bengali culture was showcased. ”Bengali culture is popular world over and Sweden is no exception,” Modi said on social media.
With inputs from agencies
First Published:
May 17, 2026, 22:32 IST
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