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THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 19, 2026, 10:57:23 IST
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PM Modi Norway Visit Highlights: Trade, defence and maritime security in focus during PM Modi’s Italy visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden's 2nd highest honour. His visit has generated strong enthusiasm among Swedish political leaders, businesses and the Indian diaspora, especially in Gothenburg, which Indian Ambassador Anurag Bhushan described as the “heart of Swedish industry and innovation”. Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and meet top European and Swedish CEOs to strengthen trade, investment and technology cooperation. Key discussion areas include artificial intelligence, green transition, resilient supply chains and advanced manufacturing. Gothenburg has emerged as the centrepiece of the visit because of its concentration of universities, research institutions and industrial companies, alongside a growing Indian professional and student community. Modi will also address the European Round Table for Industry with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signalling India’s expanding economic engagement with Europe. Swedish industry leaders, including Volvo Group India chief Kamal Bali, have described India as a major destination for talent, innovation and long-term industrial growth.
21:49 (IST) May 17
PM Narendra Modi receives Sweden's prestigious award Royal Order of Polar Star
It is the highest recognition and honour that can be conferred upon a Head of Government. This is the 31st global honour for PM Modi.
21:42 (IST) May 17
PM Modi meets obert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "In Gothenburg, met Mr. Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk. We discussed the large scope of opportunities in India and deepening investments, especially in sectors like port infrastructure, logistics and more."
20:53 (IST) May 17
Director-Head of Geopolitics at Norwegeian Shipowners' Association, Line Falkenberg Ollestad talks about what she hopes to get from PM Modi's visits
"I expect a strengthening of the collaboration between Norway and India... India is one of the most prioritised countries for Norwegian maritime shipping... India is a key player when it comes to the geopolitical situation. Right now with the situation in the Middle East, we completely depend on a strong partner like India... We hope that we can collaborate further, especially on shipbuilding... We hope India will continue to support the international laws of the sea so that ships can start sailing through Hormuz again... Because these are two countries that support international rules and regulations, we completely depend on them to re-stabilise the global trade," she told ANI.
19:52 (IST) May 17
Member of the Indian diaspora living in Sweden speaks on meeting PM Modi
"There was an aura in the room when PM Modi came here. I think we are very grateful that this visit happened through our Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson... I think we should have such a visit more often in the future," he said while talking to ANI.
19:01 (IST) May 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed with a tranditional Indian dance performance at the hotel he is staying at in Sweden
19:00 (IST) May 17
PM Modi reaches Gothenburg to 'advance defence, trade ties' with Swedish PM & EU leaders
"Landed in Gothenburg, Sweden. I will be meeting Prime Minister Kristersson with the aim of advancing the India-Sweden friendship in trade, investments, innovation, defence and more. With PM Kristersson and President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, I will be meeting European business leaders at the European Business Round Table for Industry. This will also deepen investment linkages between India and Europe," he said on X.
18:10 (IST) May 17
PM Modi reaches Sweden
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Gothenburg, where he was accorded a warm welcome by Sweden PM Ulf Kristersson at the airport.
17:45 (IST) May 17
Swedish Gripen fighter jets escort PM Narendra Modi’s plane as he enters Sweden
PM Modi is visiting Gothenburg, Sweden, on May 17-18 at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
17:02 (IST) May 17
'Ambitious roadmap for future': PM Narendra Modi hails historic breakthrough as he concludes Netherlands visit
In a post on X, PM Narendra Modi shared, "My Netherlands visit has added new momentum to India-Netherlands ties. From elevating our relationship to a Strategic Partnership to expanding cooperation in water resources, semiconductors, innovation, defence, sustainability and mobility, we have charted an ambitious roadmap for the future."
16:20 (IST) May 17
'Added new momentum to India-Netherlands ties': PM after his concluding his visit
"My Netherlands visit has added new momentum to India-Netherlands ties. From elevating our relationship to a Strategic Partnership to expanding cooperation in water resources, semiconductors, innovation, defence, sustainability and mobility, we have charted an ambitious roadmap for the future. I express my gratitude to PM Rob Jetten for the warm hospitality and for personally coming to the airport to bid farewell. I am confident that the friendship between India and the Netherlands will continue to grow stronger in the years to come," he said.
15:53 (IST) May 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi seen off by Netherlands PM Rob Jetten at the Schiphol Airport
PM Modi will travel to Gothenburg, Sweden, on May 17-18 at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
15:24 (IST) May 17
PM Modi shares glimpses on visiting 32-kilometer-long iconic dam and causeway in the Netherlands
15:06 (IST) May 17
MEA shares snippets of PM Modi's tour to Afsluitdijk Dam, Netherlands
15:04 (IST) May 17
PM Modi visits iconic Dutch dam, explores water management lessons for Gujarat’s Kalpasar project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, visited the iconic Afsluitdijk Dam in the Netherlands, with the two sides highlighting opportunities for deeper cooperation in water management and climate-resilient infrastructure.
In a post, the Ministry of external affairs described the Afsluitdijk as “a symbol of Dutch excellence in water management, flood protection and freshwater storage”.
According to the MEA, the visit underscored the relevance of Dutch expertise for India’s ambitious Kalpasar Project in Gujarat, which aims to build a freshwater reservoir and dam near the Gulf of Khambhat.
“The visit highlighted the relevance of Dutch expertise for India’s Kalpasar Project in Gujarat,” the MEA said, adding that the interaction opened avenues for stronger Indo-Dutch collaboration in climate resilience, water technology and sustainable infrastructure.
In a post, the Ministry of external affairs described the Afsluitdijk as “a symbol of Dutch excellence in water management, flood protection and freshwater storage”.
According to the MEA, the visit underscored the relevance of Dutch expertise for India’s ambitious Kalpasar Project in Gujarat, which aims to build a freshwater reservoir and dam near the Gulf of Khambhat.
“The visit highlighted the relevance of Dutch expertise for India’s Kalpasar Project in Gujarat,” the MEA said, adding that the interaction opened avenues for stronger Indo-Dutch collaboration in climate resilience, water technology and sustainable infrastructure.
14:59 (IST) May 17
PM Modi’s Norway visit to focus on trade, investments and new opportunities under India-EFTA pact
India’s Ambassador to Norway Gloria Gangte said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Norway comes at a significant moment in bilateral ties and will focus on expanding economic cooperation under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
“The visit is taking place after a gap of 43 years of a Prime Ministerial visit from India and this is Prime Minister Modi's first ever visit to Norway,” Gangte said in Oslo.
She noted that the visit comes “in the backdrop of global flux” and offers an opportunity to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation.
Gangte highlighted the importance of the India-EFTA-TEPA agreement, signed with the four European Free Trade Association countries, saying it includes a major investment component.
“It talks about a $100 billion investment in 15 years from the EFTA states and 1 million jobs being created,” she said, adding that several Norwegian companies operating in India are keen to utilise the opportunities created under the agreement.
“The visit is taking place after a gap of 43 years of a Prime Ministerial visit from India and this is Prime Minister Modi's first ever visit to Norway,” Gangte said in Oslo.
She noted that the visit comes “in the backdrop of global flux” and offers an opportunity to review bilateral relations and identify new areas of cooperation.
Gangte highlighted the importance of the India-EFTA-TEPA agreement, signed with the four European Free Trade Association countries, saying it includes a major investment component.
“It talks about a $100 billion investment in 15 years from the EFTA states and 1 million jobs being created,” she said, adding that several Norwegian companies operating in India are keen to utilise the opportunities created under the agreement.
14:41 (IST) May 17
'Asian century is here': Former Norwegian minister backs bigger global role for India ahead of PM Modi's visit
14:40 (IST) May 17
PM Modi to join Nordic leaders for third India-Nordic Summit on May 19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit on May 19, 2026, bringing together the leaders of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between India and the Nordic countries in areas such as trade, green technology, innovation, climate action and strategic partnerships.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation between India and the Nordic countries in areas such as trade, green technology, innovation, climate action and strategic partnerships.
14:38 (IST) May 17
'Moving into the Asian century': Former Norwegian minister calls PM Modi’s Norway visit historic
Former Norwegian minister of climate and the environment Erik Solheim described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Norway as “truly historic”, noting that it will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1983.
“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Norway 18-19 May. It’s the first visit to Norway by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi in 1983. Truly historic!” Solheim said.
In remarks shared ahead of the visit, Solheim said the discussions focused on India’s growing role in the emerging global order and the shift “from the European and American centuries into the Asian century”.
He also highlighted the need for a global system where “the biggest powers cannot unilaterally change borders” and called for major reforms in the United Nations, including India’s inclusion as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Solheim further spoke about the role of China and India in the global green transition and said the West should be “more curious on India´s rise as a civilizational state.”
14:33 (IST) May 17
UAE, India deepen strategic partnership with major deals in energy, defence and AI
14:32 (IST) May 17
UAE firms announce multi-billion-dirham investments in India
Major UAE entities announced fresh investments in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, underlining growing economic ties between the two countries.
Emirates NBD committed AED 11.02 billion for a 60 per cent stake in RBL Bank. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) announced an AED 3.67 billion investment in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, while International Holding Company (IHC) pledged AED 3.67 billion in Sammaan Capital.
The announcements came as India and the UAE continued to deepen cooperation across finance, infrastructure and strategic sectors.
Emirates NBD committed AED 11.02 billion for a 60 per cent stake in RBL Bank. Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) announced an AED 3.67 billion investment in India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, while International Holding Company (IHC) pledged AED 3.67 billion in Sammaan Capital.
The announcements came as India and the UAE continued to deepen cooperation across finance, infrastructure and strategic sectors.
14:31 (IST) May 17
Cochin Shipyard, Drydocks World to develop ship repair cluster at Vadinar
India and the UAE expanded maritime cooperation with Cochin Shipyard and UAE-based Drydocks World signing an agreement to develop a ship repair cluster at Vadinar.
The two sides also signed an MoU focused on skill development in ship repair, as part of broader efforts to deepen maritime and logistics cooperation.
The agreements were exchanged in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The two sides also signed an MoU focused on skill development in ship repair, as part of broader efforts to deepen maritime and logistics cooperation.
The agreements were exchanged in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
14:28 (IST) May 17
UAE, India partner on 8-exaflop supercomputing project
The UAE and India announced a major technology collaboration involving UAE-based G42, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and India’s Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
The partners signed a term sheet to establish an 8-exaflop supercomputing cluster in India, in a move expected to strengthen India’s AI and advanced computing capabilities.
The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
The partners signed a term sheet to establish an 8-exaflop supercomputing cluster in India, in a move expected to strengthen India’s AI and advanced computing capabilities.
The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
14:26 (IST) May 17
India secures long-term LPG supply deal with ADNOC amid expanding UAE energy ties
India strengthened its energy partnership with the UAE after Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) signed a long-term LPG supply agreement with ADNOC in Abu Dhabi.
Another key energy agreement was signed between India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) and ADNOC for cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, aimed at enhancing India’s energy security.
The agreements were witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Another key energy agreement was signed between India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL) and ADNOC for cooperation on strategic petroleum reserves, aimed at enhancing India’s energy security.
The agreements were witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
14:26 (IST) May 17
India, UAE sign strategic defence partnership agreement during PM Modi visit: UAE
India and the United Arab Emirates signed a Framework Agreement for a Strategic Defence Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi, marking a major step in expanding military and security cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and PM Modi as part of a broader push to deepen the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The agreement was witnessed by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and PM Modi as part of a broader push to deepen the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
14:06 (IST) May 17
'Big milestone' for India-Sweden ties: Volvo India chief sees PM Modi visit boosting business opportunities
Volvo Group India President and Managing Director Kamal Bali described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sweden as a “very significant” moment for bilateral ties, saying it is expected to open new business opportunities between the two countries.
“This is a very significant and a big milestone in the relationship between India and Sweden,” Bali said in Gothenburg ahead of the visit.
Highlighting the foundation of the partnership, he said India and Sweden share democratic values rooted in “transparency, trust and understanding”.
Bali added that Swedish businesses remain optimistic about India’s economic growth and talent ecosystem.
“The businesses are very confident about the development of the Indian economy and the domestic demand, as well as the capabilities of the Indian talent, which are there both in the digital space and in manufacturing, which is what the Swedish companies would like to leverage,” he said.
He noted that the visit is likely to further strengthen trade and investment ties. “It's going to be the opening of further opportunities for business on both sides between India and Sweden and it works well for the two countries,” Bali added.
“This is a very significant and a big milestone in the relationship between India and Sweden,” Bali said in Gothenburg ahead of the visit.
Highlighting the foundation of the partnership, he said India and Sweden share democratic values rooted in “transparency, trust and understanding”.
Bali added that Swedish businesses remain optimistic about India’s economic growth and talent ecosystem.
“The businesses are very confident about the development of the Indian economy and the domestic demand, as well as the capabilities of the Indian talent, which are there both in the digital space and in manufacturing, which is what the Swedish companies would like to leverage,” he said.
He noted that the visit is likely to further strengthen trade and investment ties. “It's going to be the opening of further opportunities for business on both sides between India and Sweden and it works well for the two countries,” Bali added.
14:04 (IST) May 17
'India has put its eyes on Sweden': Gothenburg business chief highlights growing Indian presence ahead of PM visit
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden, Business Region Göteborg CEO Patrik Andersson highlighted the rapid growth of Indian companies and professionals in Gothenburg over the past decade.
“For the last 10 years we didn't really have any India companies, but it started when HCL bought part of Volvo IT and now we have 20 establishments,” Andersson said.
He added that since 2015, increasing numbers of Indians have been moving to the Swedish city for work, higher studies and research opportunities.
“From 2015, a lot of Indians have been coming here to work, to study and to go to the universities to research,” he said, adding, “It is fantastic that India has put their eyes on Sweden.”
“For the last 10 years we didn't really have any India companies, but it started when HCL bought part of Volvo IT and now we have 20 establishments,” Andersson said.
He added that since 2015, increasing numbers of Indians have been moving to the Swedish city for work, higher studies and research opportunities.
“From 2015, a lot of Indians have been coming here to work, to study and to go to the universities to research,” he said, adding, “It is fantastic that India has put their eyes on Sweden.”
13:58 (IST) May 17
'Lot of enthusiasm in Sweden': Indian envoy says Gothenburg gearing up for PM Modi’s first visit
India’s Ambassador to Sweden Anurag Bhushan said there is significant excitement surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden, particularly in Gothenburg, which will host the Prime Minister for the first time.
“The Prime Minister is immensely popular in Sweden, there's a lot of enthusiasm all around Sweden. But especially in Gothenburg, I find a lot of energy because this is the first visit of the Prime Minister to Gothenburg,” Bhushan said.
Highlighting the city’s strategic importance, he described Gothenburg as “the heart of Swedish industry and an innovation-based ecosystem”.
“There are a lot of universities, institutions, science and technology establishments, and more importantly, it is also a centre for the Indian diaspora,” he added.
“The Prime Minister is immensely popular in Sweden, there's a lot of enthusiasm all around Sweden. But especially in Gothenburg, I find a lot of energy because this is the first visit of the Prime Minister to Gothenburg,” Bhushan said.
Highlighting the city’s strategic importance, he described Gothenburg as “the heart of Swedish industry and an innovation-based ecosystem”.
“There are a lot of universities, institutions, science and technology establishments, and more importantly, it is also a centre for the Indian diaspora,” he added.
13:55 (IST) May 17
'Sweden looks at India as a long-term partner': Envoy outlines agenda ahead of PM Modi visit
India’s Ambassador to Sweden Anurag Bhushan said strengthening economic ties, trade and investment will be a major focus of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden, while also highlighting shared democratic values and sustainability goals between the two countries.
“Sweden is one of the most innovative economies of not just Europe but of the world,” Bhushan said in Gothenburg ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
He said both sides are looking to deepen economic cooperation and encourage greater Swedish participation in India’s manufacturing push.
“Intensifying economic partnership, enhancing trade and investment, is going to be one of the major items on the agenda. We are also looking at getting more Swedish companies to participate in our Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,” he said.
The ambassador added that bilateral and global issues would also feature in discussions between PM Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
“Sweden looks at India as a long-term partner. It is a country with which we share common values of democracy, rule of law,” Bhushan said, adding that both nations aim “to make the world a better place, a cleaner place, and a more sustainable place.”
“Sweden is one of the most innovative economies of not just Europe but of the world,” Bhushan said in Gothenburg ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
He said both sides are looking to deepen economic cooperation and encourage greater Swedish participation in India’s manufacturing push.
“Intensifying economic partnership, enhancing trade and investment, is going to be one of the major items on the agenda. We are also looking at getting more Swedish companies to participate in our Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,” he said.
The ambassador added that bilateral and global issues would also feature in discussions between PM Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
“Sweden looks at India as a long-term partner. It is a country with which we share common values of democracy, rule of law,” Bhushan said, adding that both nations aim “to make the world a better place, a cleaner place, and a more sustainable place.”
13:54 (IST) May 17
PM Modi to hold talks with Swedish PM, address top European industry leaders during Sweden visit
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival in Sweden, India’s Ambassador to Sweden Anurag Bhushan said the visit will include high-level bilateral talks as well as major engagements with Europe’s business community.
“Honorable Prime Minister will come today. He is coming at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson,” Bhushan said in Gothenburg.
He added that PM Modi will hold bilateral consultations with Kristersson and his leadership team before participating in interactions with Swedish industry leaders.
“Thereafter, the Honorable Prime Minister will also have engagements with the business community of Sweden. He will also address members of the European Roundtable of Industry, which is a group of top companies of Europe,” the ambassador said.
“Honorable Prime Minister will come today. He is coming at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson,” Bhushan said in Gothenburg.
He added that PM Modi will hold bilateral consultations with Kristersson and his leadership team before participating in interactions with Swedish industry leaders.
“Thereafter, the Honorable Prime Minister will also have engagements with the business community of Sweden. He will also address members of the European Roundtable of Industry, which is a group of top companies of Europe,” the ambassador said.
13:16 (IST) May 17
Visuals: PM Modi interacts with Dutch PM Rob Jetten during the second leg of his five-nation visit.
13:16 (IST) May 17
'India is a thriving economy': Volvo CTO hails PM Modi’s upcoming Sweden visit
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden, Volvo Group chief technology officer Jens Holtinger described the trip as an important moment for India-Sweden ties and praised India’s growing role in the company’s global operations.
“Prime Minister Modi's visit to Gothenburg, Sweden, is a great honour and it's an opportunity to also showcase the good connection between Sweden and India,” Holtinger said.
Highlighting Volvo Group’s long-standing presence in India, he added, “The Volvo Group have been in India for 25 years... We have close to 5,000 colleagues in India... It is the second biggest R&D centre that we have in the world.”
Holtinger said the company views India as a major growth hub for the future. “We see India as a very good platform for the future. We truly believe that India is a thriving economy with a lot of talent,” he said.
“Prime Minister Modi's visit to Gothenburg, Sweden, is a great honour and it's an opportunity to also showcase the good connection between Sweden and India,” Holtinger said.
Highlighting Volvo Group’s long-standing presence in India, he added, “The Volvo Group have been in India for 25 years... We have close to 5,000 colleagues in India... It is the second biggest R&D centre that we have in the world.”
Holtinger said the company views India as a major growth hub for the future. “We see India as a very good platform for the future. We truly believe that India is a thriving economy with a lot of talent,” he said.
13:14 (IST) May 17
Visuals: India-Netherlands sign semiconductor cooperation with Tata-ASML deal
13:00 (IST) May 17
MEA shares list of outcomes from PM Modi's Netherlands visit
13:00 (IST) May 17
Tata Electronics-ASML partnership gives fresh push to India’s semiconductor mission: MEA
Cooperation between Tata Electronics and Dutch semiconductor giant ASML emerged as another key outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Netherlands visit.
The partnership is expected to support the launch of the semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat, and strengthen India’s efforts to build a comprehensive semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem under the India Semiconductor Mission, according to the MEA.
The partnership is expected to support the launch of the semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat, and strengthen India’s efforts to build a comprehensive semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem under the India Semiconductor Mission, according to the MEA.
12:59 (IST) May 17
India-Netherlands mobility pact to ease visas, boost study and work opportunities: MEA
India and the Netherlands announced enhanced cooperation on mobility and migration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, aimed at expanding opportunities for Indian students and professionals.
According to details shared by the MEA, the initiative will provide faster and more flexible visas, make it easier for Indians to study and work in the Netherlands, including through long-term visas, and create internship and job opportunities for Indian youth.
According to details shared by the MEA, the initiative will provide faster and more flexible visas, make it easier for Indians to study and work in the Netherlands, including through long-term visas, and create internship and job opportunities for Indian youth.
12:58 (IST) May 17
Chola-era copper plates returned to India during PM Modi’s Netherlands visit: MEA
One of the major outcomes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands was the restitution of 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India.
Sharing details on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the return of the artefacts would enable Indian scholars, museums and the public to “study and appreciate Indian heritage”. The repatriation has been projected as part of the government’s broader push to reclaim India’s cultural treasures from abroad.
Sharing details on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the return of the artefacts would enable Indian scholars, museums and the public to “study and appreciate Indian heritage”. The repatriation has been projected as part of the government’s broader push to reclaim India’s cultural treasures from abroad.
12:58 (IST) May 17
India, Netherlands unveil strategic roadmap for 2026-2030 during PM Modi visit: MEA
Ministry of external affairs shared key outcomes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Netherlands, including the launch of the “Roadmap of India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership 2026-2030”.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the roadmap aims to boost investments, economic growth and job creation while deepening cooperation in defence, maritime security, cyber resilience and supply chains. The agreement is also expected to improve quality of life through collaboration in cleaner water, safer food, greener cities and stronger public health systems.
According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the roadmap aims to boost investments, economic growth and job creation while deepening cooperation in defence, maritime security, cyber resilience and supply chains. The agreement is also expected to improve quality of life through collaboration in cleaner water, safer food, greener cities and stronger public health systems.
12:45 (IST) May 17
PM Modi to visit Norway for first India PM-level trip in 43 years
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Norway from May 18 to 19 to attend the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and hold bilateral engagements, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years.
This will also be PM Modi’s first visit to Norway since assuming office. During the trip, he is scheduled to meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and hold bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Modi will also jointly address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit alongside the Norwegian Prime Minister, with discussions expected to focus on trade, innovation, green energy and strategic cooperation.
12:44 (IST) May 17
'New India believes in decisive action': BJP’s Tarun Chugh backs Army warning to Pakistan
BJP leader Tarun Chugh praised the Indian Armed Forces and backed General Upendra Dwivedi’s remarks on Pakistan, saying India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved beyond what he described as the Congress-era approach to terrorism.
“Under the leadership of PM Modi, this is a new India. It believes not in dossiers on terrorism, but in decisive action against it,” Chugh said in Delhi.
He added that the armed forces have been given “full freedom to take decisions in the interest of the nation and national security” and said India’s military capabilities, backed by “modern technology, efficiency, capability, and discipline”, have created fear among adversaries.
“India’s warning to Pakistan is a clear message that the country has now moved beyond the Congress-era policy of sending ‘love letters’ in response to terrorism,” he said.
09:58 (IST) May 17
'Reaffirms PM Modi’s commitment to our civilisational roots': BJP’s CR Kesavan on return of Chola copper plates
Reacting to the repatriation of 11th-century Chola-era copper plates from the Netherlands to India, BJP leader CR Kesavan said the development reflected Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on preserving India’s cultural and civilisational heritage.
“The successful repatriation of the 11th century Chola era copper plates back to India strongly reaffirms PM Modi's commitment to our civilisational roots and also illustrates PM Modi's Tamil traditions,” Kesavan said in Hyderabad, Telangana.
“The successful repatriation of the 11th century Chola era copper plates back to India strongly reaffirms PM Modi's commitment to our civilisational roots and also illustrates PM Modi's Tamil traditions,” Kesavan said in Hyderabad, Telangana.
07:26 (IST) May 17
India and Netherlands elevate ties to strategic partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten have formally elevated India-Netherlands relations to a strategic partnership following delegation-level talks in the Netherlands. The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, semiconductors, green energy, defence, water management and technology. The Ministry of External Affairs said both sides adopted an ambitious roadmap to guide cooperation across strategic sectors. PM Modi described the Netherlands as one of India’s “most important partners” and pointed to shared democratic values and economic priorities. The leaders also exchanged several Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration in emerging technologies and sustainable development. The elevation of ties reflects growing convergence between India and the Netherlands as both countries seek closer economic and technological cooperation amid wider global uncertainty and supply chain challenges.
07:26 (IST) May 17
Swedish firms see India as major growth and talent destination
Swedish industry executives have expressed growing confidence in India’s economy ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden, describing the country as a major source of skilled talent and industrial growth. Kamal Bali, President and Managing Director of Volvo Group India, called the visit a “significant and a big milestone” in India-Sweden relations. He said Swedish businesses are optimistic about India’s domestic demand, manufacturing capabilities and digital expertise. Bali added that the partnership between the two countries is built on shared democratic values, transparency and trust. He said PM Modi’s visit is expected to create further opportunities for bilateral business collaboration and investment. Swedish companies are increasingly looking at India not only as a market but also as a strategic centre for innovation, manufacturing and technology development amid changing global economic conditions.
07:25 (IST) May 17
European CEOs set for investment talks with PM Modi in Sweden
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to use his Sweden visit to deepen India’s economic engagement with Europe through direct discussions with leading industrialists and corporate executives. Alongside bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, PM Modi will interact with members of the European Round Table for Industry, a group of 60 top European CEOs. Indian Ambassador Anurag Bhushan said the engagement aims to identify new avenues for boosting trade and investment between India and Europe. The Prime Minister will also separately meet Swedish business leaders to discuss expanding bilateral commercial ties. Key themes expected to dominate discussions include AI, sustainable technology, resilient supply chains and green industrial transformation. India’s growing economy and skilled workforce are likely to feature prominently in conversations with European companies looking to strengthen long-term partnerships and diversify manufacturing and technology operations.
07:25 (IST) May 17
Gothenburg emerges as centrepiece of Modi’s Sweden outreach
Indian Ambassador Anurag Bhushan said Gothenburg has become the focal point of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Sweden visit because of its role as a leading centre of Swedish innovation, research and manufacturing. Calling the city the “heart of Swedish industry”, Bhushan noted that Modi’s visit has created “a lot of energy” among local businesses and the Indian diaspora community. Gothenburg houses several universities, technology institutions and industrial companies, making it a crucial destination for India’s push to deepen cooperation with Europe in advanced manufacturing and technology. The Prime Minister is expected to engage with Swedish CEOs and business leaders to discuss opportunities for investment and industrial partnerships. Bhushan also highlighted the city’s growing Indian presence, particularly among professionals, researchers and students, reflecting expanding people-to-people ties between India and Sweden.
07:24 (IST) May 17
PM Modi’s Sweden visit sparks industry excitement and trade hopes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sweden has generated strong enthusiasm among political leaders, business executives and the Indian diaspora, particularly in Gothenburg, which Indian Ambassador Anurag Bhushan described as the “heart of Swedish industry and an innovation-based ecosystem”. PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and meet leading European and Swedish CEOs to strengthen trade and investment ties. Discussions are expected to focus on artificial intelligence, green transition, resilient supply chains and emerging technologies. Bhushan said the Prime Minister enjoys significant popularity in Sweden and highlighted Gothenburg’s importance as a hub for universities, science institutions and innovation-led businesses. PM Modi will also address the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, underlining India’s growing economic engagement with Europe.
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