Narendra Modi concluded his first visit to Sweden in eight years with a high-profile CEO roundtable in Gothenburg, signaling a renewed push to strengthen economic and industrial ties between India and Europe. Addressing some of Europe’s most influential corporate leaders, Modi urged businesses to expand investments in India and position themselves for long-term growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. The meeting marked a significant moment in India-Europe business diplomacy amid evolving geopolitical and economic realities.
The roundtable was organized by the European Round Table for Industry and brought together around 55 chief executives and chairpersons from leading European multinational companies. The event was co-hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Modi’s visit carried symbolic importance, as his previous trip to Sweden took place in 2018 during the inaugural India-Nordic Summit, reflecting the rapid transformation in both India’s economic position and Europe’s strategic outlook since then.
During the discussions, Modi outlined a five-sector roadmap for deeper India-Europe collaboration covering telecommunications, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, green energy, infrastructure, mobility, healthcare, and life sciences. Executives representing major companies including Ericsson, Nokia, ASML, AstraZeneca, Airbus, Volvo, Shell, and ArcelorMittal attended the session. Modi reportedly encouraged each company to commit to at least one major new investment or initiative in India over the next five years, assuring government support for strategic projects.
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The Gothenburg engagement came against the backdrop of major recent developments in India-European Union relations, including the conclusion of the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Officials have described the deal as a landmark breakthrough capable of reshaping trade and investment flows between the two regions. India and the European Union have also expanded cooperation through a new Security and Defense Partnership, a Mobility Agreement, and the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, all aimed at deepening economic integration and strategic cooperation.
India and Sweden additionally advanced bilateral cooperation through the proposed Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor, which focuses on emerging technologies such as 6G, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and life sciences. More than 80 Swedish companies reportedly participated in the AI Impact Summit 2026, while the India-Sweden-led LeadIT 3.0 sustainability initiative now includes members from multiple countries. Defense collaboration has also gained momentum, with Saab establishing its first Carl-Gustaf manufacturing facility outside Sweden in Haryana, marking a major foreign direct investment project in India’s defense sector.
Sweden’s growing strategic alignment with India is also linked to Europe’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on China in critical technology and supply chains. Swedish authorities have increasingly tightened research-security regulations and adopted stronger positions on technological resilience, viewing India as a key long-term partner in Asia. Modi used the Gothenburg platform to highlight India’s expanding startup ecosystem, business reforms, infrastructure growth, and liberalized investment policies, presenting the country as a stable and attractive destination for global manufacturing and innovation. The message to European industry leaders was clear: India is seeking deeper industrial partnerships, and the opportunity for early strategic investment may not remain open indefinitely.
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