PM Modi in Sweden: Bengali culture, Bharatanatyam light up Gothenburg welcome
Synopsis
PM Modi's Sweden arrival in Gothenburg was greeted with Bharatanatyam, Bengali culture, and a Swedish opera singer performing 'Vaishnava Jana To' — Gandhi's hymn echoing in Scandinavia. The cultural spectacle set the tone for substantive bilateral talks and a joint address at Europe's top industry forum alongside EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Gothenburg, Sweden on 17 May , received by Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson at the airport.
The welcome featured a Bharatanatyam performance by students of Lilla Akademien and a Bengali cultural display .
Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt sang 'Vaishnava Jana To' at the welcome ceremony in Gothenburg.
Modi and Kristersson witnessed an Indo-Swedish Musical Orchestra performance by Ron Davis Alvarez and his students.
The two leaders are set to address the European Round Table for Industry alongside EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .
Bilateral talks will cover the full range of India-Sweden relations and new trade cooperation avenues, per the MEA .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 17 May received a vibrant cultural welcome in Gothenburg, Sweden, as Indian diaspora performances — including a Bengali cultural showcase, a Bharatanatyam recital, and an Indo-Swedish musical orchestra — marked the opening of his state visit. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was present at the community welcome event, underscoring the diplomatic warmth accompanying the visit.
Cultural Highlights of the Welcome
The welcome programme featured a Bharatanatyam performance by students of Lilla Akademien, a Stockholm-based performing arts institution. Modi praised the rendition, writing on X: 'A mesmerising Bharatanatyam performance by the talented students of Lilla Akademien…glad that Indian culture is kept alive and is being popularised by our diaspora in Sweden.'
A Bengali cultural display also drew appreciation from the Indian Prime Minister. 'Bengali culture is popular world over and Sweden is no exception. During the community welcome, in which PM Kristersson was also present, a glimpse of the glorious Bengali culture was on display,' he posted on X.
Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt added a cross-cultural dimension to the event by singing 'Vaishnava Jana To' — the Gujarati devotional hymn closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi. Modi called the moment 'heartening,' saying on X: 'May Mahatma Gandhi's thoughts inspire us all to make a better planet!'
Indo-Swedish Musical Orchestra
Modi and Kristersson jointly witnessed a performance by the Indo-Swedish Musical Orchestra, led by Ron Davis Alvarez and his students. The Indian Prime Minister described music as 'a great way to bring our people together,' reflecting the broader people-to-people connect the visit aims to strengthen.
Modi's Message to the Indian Diaspora
Modi acknowledged the Indian community settled in Gothenburg, noting their role as cultural ambassadors. 'The warmth and affection of the Indian community in Gothenburg were truly heartening. Their deep connection with India and their contribution to strengthening India-Sweden ties make us all very proud,' he posted on X.
Modi arrived in Sweden after concluding a leg of his visit to the Netherlands. Kristersson received him at the airport, signalling the priority both governments place on the bilateral relationship.
Bilateral Agenda and What Comes Next
Beyond the cultural events, the two Prime Ministers are scheduled to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and explore new avenues for trade and cooperation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Notably, both leaders will address the European Round Table for Industry — a prominent pan-European business forum — alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signalling that economic engagement with Europe is a central pillar of Modi's outreach. This visit comes amid India's sustained push to deepen ties with Nordic and European partners.
Point of View
Bengali folk, and Gandhi's hymn sung by a Swedish soprano — is deliberate soft-power signalling, not incidental hospitality. India has increasingly used diaspora-led cultural moments to frame state visits as civilisational partnerships rather than transactional diplomatic meetings. The harder test, however, is the bilateral trade agenda: India-Sweden economic ties remain modest relative to Sweden's technological depth in defence, clean energy, and telecom. The joint address at the European Round Table for Industry alongside von der Leyen is the real headline to watch — it positions India as a credible European economic partner at a moment when Europe is actively diversifying supply chains away from China.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi visiting Sweden?
PM Modi is visiting Sweden to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, reviewing the full range of India-Sweden relations and exploring new trade and cooperation avenues. The two leaders will also jointly address the European Round Table for Industry alongside EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
What cultural performances welcomed PM Modi in Gothenburg?
Modi was welcomed with a Bharatanatyam performance by students of Lilla Akademien, a Bengali cultural display, and an Indo-Swedish Musical Orchestra presentation by Ron Davis Alvarez and his students. Swedish opera singer Charlotta Huldt also sang 'Vaishnava Jana To,' the Gandhian devotional hymn.
Who is Charlotta Huldt and why did she sing 'Vaishnava Jana To'?
Charlotta Huldt is a Swedish opera singer who performed 'Vaishnava Jana To' — a Gujarati devotional composition associated with Mahatma Gandhi — as part of the welcome ceremony for Modi in Gothenburg. Modi described the moment as 'heartening' and said Gandhi's thoughts should inspire a better planet.
What is the European Round Table for Industry?
The European Round Table for Industry is a leading pan-European forum of senior business leaders. Modi and Kristersson are scheduled to address it together, alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as part of Modi's Sweden visit.
Which country did Modi visit before Sweden?
PM Modi arrived in Sweden after concluding his visit to the Netherlands, with Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson receiving him at the Gothenburg airport.
