Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Sweden’s highest civilian honour for foreign nationals, during his visit to Sweden in May 2026. The award reflects the strengthening of India-Sweden relations and highlights India’s expanding strategic engagement with the Nordic region.
Major Highlights
- On May 17, 2026, Prime Minister Modi received the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross from Crown Princess Victoria in Gothenburg.
- The honour represents the 31st international award conferred upon Prime Minister Modi for his contributions toward strengthening India’s global partnerships and bilateral diplomacy.
- During the visit, India and Sweden elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in defense, green technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing.
- Bilateral trade between India and Sweden reached nearly 7.75 billion US dollars in 2025, reflecting growing economic and commercial engagement between the two countries.
- Both nations announced the establishment of a Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor to encourage collaborative research and innovation in healthcare, mobility solutions, artificial intelligence, and deep-technology manufacturing.
- Defense discussions focused on expanding industrial partnerships involving Saab and the possible manufacturing collaboration related to Gripen fighter aircraft under the Make in India initiative.
- A symbolic cultural exchange took place during the visit, including reproductions of handwritten cards by Rabindranath Tagore to commemorate the centenary of his 1926 visit to Sweden.
- Prime Minister Modi encouraged Swedish companies to invest in India’s green hydrogen mission, clean energy transition, and digital infrastructure projects during meetings with Swedish business leaders.
- The Royal Order of the Polar Star was originally instituted in 1748 and, since reforms introduced in 1975, has been awarded exclusively to foreign nationals and stateless individuals.
- Discussions between the two countries also emphasized cooperation against global terrorism and reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy, rule of law, and international stability following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Important Terms
- Royal Order of the Polar Star: Sweden’s prestigious civilian honour awarded to foreign nationals for exceptional contributions to relations with Sweden.
- Strategic Partnership: A high-level bilateral relationship involving long-term cooperation in areas such as security, trade, technology, and diplomacy.
- Sweden-India AI Corridor: A proposed collaborative framework between India and Sweden aimed at advancing research, innovation, and industrial cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
