Prime Minister highlights opportunities in green energy, AI, manufacturing and digital infrastructure during Sweden business summit
During his official visit to Sweden, Modi addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT), where he positioned India as one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment, innovation and advanced manufacturing.
The event brought together Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and leading industrialists from Europe and India.
Modi’s outreach comes as India seeks to strengthen economic ties with Europe and attract global companies looking to diversify supply chains and manufacturing operations.
“Reform Express” Driving India’s Economic Transformation
Addressing global business leaders, Modi said India has spent the last several years implementing structural reforms focused on governance, performance and transformation.
The Prime Minister described India’s ongoing reform process as a “Reform Express” moving at full speed, backed by strong political commitment and policy stability.
He highlighted India’s rapidly growing middle class, expanding infrastructure network, digital transformation and business-friendly environment as major advantages for global investors.
According to Modi, India is no longer viewed only as a large consumer market but also as a major centre for innovation, manufacturing and technology development.
The Prime Minister said India’s combination of scale, talent and policy reforms creates long-term growth opportunities for companies seeking stable and future-ready investment destinations.
India Invites Investments in Green Energy and Technology
A major focus of Modi’s address was India’s push toward emerging industries and sustainable development sectors.
The Prime Minister invited Swedish and European firms to deepen collaboration in clean energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, deep-tech manufacturing and advanced industrial technologies.
He also highlighted opportunities in telecom infrastructure, mobility solutions, healthcare, life sciences, urban development and digital public infrastructure.
Modi encouraged global companies to actively participate in flagship programmes such as the “Make in India” initiative, the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Industry experts believe India’s strong policy support for renewable energy and advanced manufacturing is attracting growing international interest from technology and industrial companies.
India-EU Free Trade Agreement Gains Momentum
The recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) emerged as a key topic during the discussions.
Prime Minister Modi described the agreement as a transformative economic partnership that could unlock new opportunities in trade, technology, services and resilient supply chains.
Referring to comments made earlier by Ursula von der Leyen, Modi called the agreement the “mother of all deals” and said both sides are working toward implementing it as soon as possible.
Business leaders expect the agreement to significantly increase bilateral trade and investment flows between India and Europe over the coming years.
The FTA is also expected to improve market access, strengthen industrial partnerships and enhance cooperation in innovation and sustainability.
Sweden Seen as Key Strategic Partner
Modi emphasised that India and Sweden share common values such as democracy, innovation, transparency and sustainability, creating a strong foundation for deeper economic cooperation.
The Prime Minister said the India-Sweden relationship is evolving beyond a traditional buyer-seller model into a long-term strategic industrial partnership focused on technology, innovation and co-creation.
He welcomed the contribution of Swedish companies to India’s industrial growth and encouraged them to expand research, manufacturing and green technology operations in the country.
The discussions also focused on resilient supply chains, sustainable mobility, digital technologies and future industrial collaboration between the two countries.
India Aims to Become Global R&D and Manufacturing Hub
Modi stressed that the next wave of global technology innovation should be developed in partnership with India.
He said India has the potential to emerge as a major global research and development hub due to its large skilled workforce, growing startup ecosystem and rapidly expanding digital economy.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of talent mobility, education partnerships and skill development cooperation between India and Europe.
He proposed holding the India-Europe CEOs Roundtable annually and suggested the creation of an India Desk at the European Round Table for Industry to strengthen institutional cooperation.
Strong Economic Outlook Supports Investor Confidence
India continues to position itself as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, supported by infrastructure expansion, rising domestic consumption and manufacturing growth.
Government initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business, expanding digital infrastructure and boosting industrial production have strengthened investor confidence in recent years.
Analysts believe India’s growing partnerships with European economies could help accelerate technology transfer, sustainable manufacturing and high-value investments across key sectors.
With global companies increasingly seeking reliable production hubs and diversified supply chains, India is expected to play a larger role in the future global economic landscape.