Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 17 May pledged alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson that India and Sweden would continue their joint fight against terrorism in all its forms and against those who back it — a declaration that came with an explicit reference to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The statement was made during a joint press conference in Gothenburg, the third stop on Modi's five-nation tour.

Gratitude Over Pahalgam, and a Shared Counter-Terror Commitment

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) shared Modi's remarks on its official X account: 'India and Sweden agree that terrorism is a serious challenge for all of humanity. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Kristersson for the support we received from Sweden following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year. We will continue the fight against terrorism and its supporters.'

The acknowledgement of Swedish solidarity over Pahalgam carries diplomatic weight. Sweden's public backing of India's position on cross-border terrorism — articulated at the bilateral level — reinforces New Delhi's sustained effort to build a multilateral consensus against state-sponsored terror.

Royal Order of Polar Star: Modi's 31st Global Honour

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi was conferred the Royal Order of Polar Star — Commander Grand Cross, Sweden's highest honour for a foreign head of government. Swedish Crown Princess Victoria presented the decoration at a ceremony held at the County Governor's residence in Gothenburg, in the presence of Prime Minister Kristersson. This is the 31st international honour received by Modi.

Defence and Industrial Partnership on the Table

Beyond the counter-terror alignment, Modi and Kristersson agreed to deepen cooperation in the defence sector, with both sides working towards a long-term industrial partnership. The two leaders also exchanged special gifts commemorating the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, symbolising the enduring civilisational and intellectual ties between the two nations, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Notably, Swedish Gripen fighter jets escorted Modi's aircraft as it entered Swedish airspace — an unusual and symbolically significant gesture that underscored the warmth of the bilateral relationship.

European Round Table and Von der Leyen Meeting

A key element of the visit is Modi's participation alongside Kristersson at the European Round Table for Industry, a prominent pan-European platform of senior business leaders. The two leaders will address the gathering alongside Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission — a meeting that signals India's growing engagement with European industrial and trade architecture.

MEA spokesperson Jaiswal described Sweden as 'an important partner for India in areas including technology, sustainability, innovation and Research and Development,' adding that the visit would 'impart fresh momentum to the India-Sweden relationship.'

Context: Second Visit, Deeper Ties

This is Modi's second visit to Sweden; the first was in 2018 for the inaugural India-Nordic Summit. He arrived in Gothenburg after completing talks in the Netherlands, where he met Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten, the Dutch royal family, and members of the Indian community. Sweden is the third of five nations on this diplomatic circuit. With defence, innovation, and counter-terrorism now formally on the bilateral agenda, the visit marks a clear elevation in the India-Sweden partnership beyond its traditional trade and sustainability framing.