Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : At the invitation of Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of India visited Sweden on April 16-17, 2018. This was Prime Minister’s first visit to Sweden as well as a visit to Sweden by an Indian Prime Minister after three decades. On arrival in Stockholm on April 16, the Prime Minister was received by PM Lofven.
On April 17, Prime Minister had an audience with King Carl XVI Gustaf. King Carl XVI Gustaf visited India earlier in 1993 and 2005. Prime Minister Modi had a meeting with PM Lofven. They met earlier when PM Lofven visited India in February 2016 and participated in the ‘Make in India’ Week in Mumbai with a strong business delegation. In October 2017, PM Lofven participated in ‘Make in India: Sweden 2017’ event organized in Stockholm. Prime Minister’s discussions with PM Lofven focused on strengthening bilateral ties with special emphasis on building closer economic relations as well as important global and regional issues. PM Lofven also hosted a lunch for Prime Minister.
On the occasion of the visit, India and Sweden signed a Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future and adopted a Joint Action Plan. Both Prime Ministers participated in a aoundtable meeting with about 30 CEOs of leading Swedish enterprises and addressed the CEOs. Additionally, Leader of Moderate Party & Leader of Opposition in Swedish Parliament, Ulf Kristersson, called on Prime Minister Modi, according to a PIB release.
The visit took place at a time when India- Sweden economic ties have strengthened considerably. Over 170 Swedish companies have invested USD 1.4 billion since 2000. Some of the Swedish companies have been present in India for over a century. Around 70 Indian companies have established their presence in Sweden. India-Sweden annual bilateral trade stands at around USD 1.8 billion.