PM Modi’s visit to Sweden after 8 years: Focus will be on trade, AI and technology cooperation

Knews Desk– Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving on an official visit to Sweden on 17-18 May. This visit is taking place after almost 8 years, in which the focus will be on giving a new direction to trade, investment, technology and innovation cooperation between India and Sweden. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this visit is also considered important towards further strengthening India-European Union (EU) relations.

PM Modi will hold bilateral talks in Gothenburg at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Christerson. The main focus of discussion will be to increase trade and investment. Trade between the two countries is expected to reach $7.75 billion by 2025, while Sweden’s FDI in India between 2000 and 2025 has been recorded at $2.825 billion.

Collaboration on AI, technology and innovation

There will be special discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), new technology, startup ecosystem and innovation in this tour. Sweden is considered one of the strongest tech and startup hubs in Europe, with the highest number of unicorn companies per capita. Partnership between India and Sweden in these areas is being considered very important for the future.

Green transition and climate talks

Both countries will also discuss increasing cooperation on green transition, climate change, clean energy and strong supply chains. There are also plans to strengthen the partnership in strategic areas like defence, space and cyber security.

Review of relations with the European Union

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit will also provide an opportunity to review India’s growing relations with the European Union. This visit is considered even more important after the recent India-EU Free Trade Agreement. PM Modi may also address a major business forum with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Possibility of discussion on global issues

The ongoing tension between Iran and America and its economic implications are also likely to be discussed during the visit. Even before this, PM Modi had discussed global situations at other stops of his tour.

This visit of PM Modi to Sweden is being considered to give a new height to the growing economic and technological cooperation between India and Europe. This is expected to open new opportunities in areas like trade, investment, AI and green technology.