India and Sweden are targeting a doubling of bilateral trade and investment by 2030 under their newly elevated strategic partnership, with artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and innovation set to anchor the next phase of economic engagement, Indian Ambassador to Sweden Anurag Bhushan said on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Speaking from New Delhi, Bhushan described the new framework as a departure from traditional economic diplomacy, aimed at building what both governments call a next-generation economic relationship.

Strategic Partnership Backdrop

The upgraded framework traces directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sweden in May 2026, during which the two countries formally elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and adopted a joint roadmap for cooperation across key sectors. 'The two Prime Ministers have set a clear objective of doubling bilateral trade and investment by 2030,' Bhushan said. Economic cooperation forms one of four pillars of the strategic partnership, alongside security, emerging technologies and people-to-people ties.

The Sweden-India AI and Technology Corridor

A flagship element of the deepened relationship is the proposed Sweden-India Technology and Artificial Intelligence Corridor, designed to strengthen collaboration in emerging technologies, digital infrastructure and advanced innovation. Bhushan said both countries operate strong innovation ecosystems and globally competitive startups, creating openings for joint work in AI, information technology and future communications — including 6G-related technologies. 'Sweden is a major technology and AI player, while India offers scale, talent and a rapidly growing market,' he said. The corridor is expected to foster joint research, startup partnerships and cross-border investments.

Gothenburg as a Bilateral Innovation Hub

The ambassador singled out Gothenburg as a potential focal point for the technology partnership, noting the city's established position as a hub for Sweden's tech and AI industries. Swedish firms, he observed, possess advanced technological capabilities but operate within a relatively small domestic market, making India an attractive destination for expansion, testing and deployment of next-generation technologies. This asymmetry — Swedish depth, Indian scale — forms the commercial logic underpinning the 'Make in India, Make with Sweden' model that both sides are actively promoting.

Growing Commercial Footprint

Bhushan pointed to measurable momentum on the ground: the number of Swedish companies operating in India has grown from approximately 275 a year ago to around 300. A five-year action plan agreed by both governments is now guiding efforts to translate political commitments into commercial outcomes. High-level visits and business delegations from Indian states and industry bodies have followed the summit, with delegations actively scouting investment and partnership opportunities in Sweden.

What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Bhushan flagged the proposed India-Sweden bilateral summit in India in 2027 as a critical platform to convene businesses, investors and policymakers, and to develop a roadmap aligned with the long-term vision of strengthening ties through 2047. He also highlighted the India-Sweden Innovation Day as a mechanism for connecting startups, governments, research institutions and private companies around practical cooperation areas. 'These platforms help convert the strategic partnership into tangible outcomes,' he said. With the AI corridor still in the proposal stage and the 2027 summit on the horizon, the real test will be whether commercial momentum keeps pace with diplomatic ambition.