Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 18 May addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg, Sweden, highlighting the growing strategic convergence between India and Europe and positioning India as a premier destination for global investment, manufacturing, and innovation. The address came on the sidelines of his official visit to Sweden.

Key Themes of the Address

Modi's speech centred on the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which he described as a transformative economic partnership set to unlock new opportunities across trade, technology, manufacturing, services, and resilient supply chains. He also highlighted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a strategic connectivity initiative that would add fresh value to the India-Europe business partnership.

The Prime Minister underscored India's reform-driven growth trajectory, pointing to the government's emphasis on ease of doing business, expanding digital public infrastructure, a vibrant manufacturing ecosystem, and large-scale infrastructure transformation. He reiterated India's vision of 'Design for India, Make in India and Export from India'.

Sectors Flagged for European Investment

Modi invited European businesses to deepen their engagement with India across a wide range of sectors, including telecom and digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics and deep-tech manufacturing, green transition and clean energy, infrastructure and mobility, and healthcare and life sciences. He also stressed the importance of building resilient and diversified supply chains jointly with Europe, referencing India's ambitious plans in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and nuclear power.

Meeting with Swedish PM and Crown Princess

On the sidelines, Modi met Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and held discussions with Swedish business leaders in Gothenburg. Crown Princess Victoria also participated in the interaction. Discussions ranged across futuristic technologies, research and development, artificial intelligence, security, and healthcare — sectors where India and Sweden are seeking to deepen bilateral economic linkages.

Institutional Proposals

Modi proposed holding the India-Europe CEOs Roundtable on an annual basis and suggested establishing a dedicated India Desk at the ERT — a structural step aimed at institutionalising India-Europe business dialogue. He also emphasised talent mobility, education, and skill partnerships, noting that India's young and skilled workforce would be central to future global economic growth.

The address signals a concerted diplomatic push to convert the momentum of the India-EU FTA into tangible investment flows, with European industry leaders as the primary audience.