Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18 May addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg, Sweden, positioning India as one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment, innovation, and manufacturing, and inviting European companies to deepen engagement with the country as a trusted economic partner. The address came alongside the successful conclusion of negotiations for the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which Modi described as a transformative partnership set to unlock new opportunities across trade, technology, and resilient supply chains.

Key Pitch to European Industry

Modi highlighted India's rapid economic growth, next-generation reforms, and the government's sustained focus on ease of doing business, digital public infrastructure, and infrastructure modernisation. Reiterating the vision of 'Design for India, Make in India and Export from India', he invited European businesses to expand investments across telecom and digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, deep-tech manufacturing, green transition and clean energy, infrastructure and mobility, and healthcare and life sciences.

Connectivity and Supply Chain Resilience

Modi underlined the strategic value of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a vehicle that would add new dimensions to the India-Europe business partnership. He stressed the need for both sides to build resilient and diversified supply chains, and highlighted India's ambitious plans for large-scale investment in transport, logistics, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and nuclear power.

Talent, Skills, and Institutional Proposals

The Prime Minister emphasised talent mobility, education, and skill partnerships between India and Europe, noting that India's young and skilled workforce would be a significant driver of future global economic growth. He proposed holding an India-Europe CEOs Roundtable annually and suggested establishing an India Desk at the ERT — a structural step aimed at institutionalising the bilateral business dialogue.

Who Was in the Room

The interaction was hosted by Volvo Group and attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and senior leaders from leading European and Indian companies. The high-profile gathering underscored the growing strategic convergence between India and Europe at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty. Notably, this is among the most senior multilateral industry engagements Modi has addressed on European soil, reflecting a deliberate diplomatic-economic push as the India-EU FTA moves toward formal signing.

What Comes Next

With FTA negotiations concluded and IMEC gaining institutional backing, the next phase will test whether investment commitments translate into on-ground capital flows. Industry bodies on both sides are expected to operationalise the proposed annual CEOs Roundtable format in the months ahead.