Gothenburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Swedish and European companies to increase investments in India, highlighting the country’s rapid reforms, manufacturing potential and expanding digital economy during a high-level industry roundtable in Sweden.
Addressing business leaders at the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg, Modi said India’s “Reform Express” was moving at full speed and called upon global manufacturers to partner with India in sectors such as clean energy, artificial intelligence, telecom, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
The Prime Minister emphasised India’s growing role as a global investment destination and reiterated the government’s vision of “Design for India, Make in India and Export from India”.
PM Modi pitches India as global manufacturing hub
Speaking at the roundtable attended by leading European industrialists, Modi said India had spent the last 12 years focusing on reforms, transformation and economic performance.
“With strong political will, this Reform Express is moving forward at full speed,” the Prime Minister said while showcasing India’s economic growth and policy reforms aimed at attracting global investment.
He invited Swedish and European companies to expand their presence in India and collaborate in emerging sectors such as electronics manufacturing, deep-tech innovation, green energy and mobility solutions.
According to Modi, India is positioning itself not only as a manufacturing centre but also as a major global research and development hub.
“The next wave of technology innovation should be co-created in India,” he told the gathering.
Focus on AI, clean energy and digital infrastructure
The Prime Minister identified several strategic sectors where India is seeking partnerships with European companies.
These include telecom and digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, electronics, green hydrogen, healthcare, life sciences, urban transformation and sustainable mobility.
Modi said India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, skilled workforce and large domestic market make it one of the most attractive investment destinations globally.
He also highlighted India’s push towards clean energy and sustainable industrial growth under initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and National Critical Mineral Mission.
The discussions reportedly focused on resilient global supply chains, technological cooperation and green transition policies.
India-EU trade pact hailed as major opportunity
During the interaction, Modi also praised the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, calling it a landmark step in strengthening economic ties.
Referring to the agreement as a transformative partnership, he said both sides were working towards implementing it at the earliest.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had earlier described the India-EU trade deal as the “mother of all deals”, Modi noted.
The Prime Minister said the trade agreement would significantly boost commerce, investments and technology partnerships between India and Europe.
He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure and connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to improve trade routes and economic integration between Asia and Europe.
Swedish leaders join business discussions
The event in Gothenburg was attended by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, senior European officials and executives from major Indian and European corporations.
Modi also held a separate interaction with Swedish business leaders alongside Crown Princess Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden and Kristersson.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister said India and Sweden shared common values including democracy, innovation, sustainability and transparency.
He noted that India-Sweden ties had evolved beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship into a broader industrial and innovation partnership.
The discussions covered cooperation in areas such as sustainable mobility, digital technologies, life sciences and green industrial policies.
Talent mobility and annual CEOs forum proposed
Modi also stressed the importance of education, skill development and talent mobility between India and Europe.
Describing India’s young population as a major economic strength, he said closer cooperation in workforce development could benefit both regions.
The Prime Minister proposed organising an annual India-Europe CEOs roundtable to strengthen business collaboration and suggested the creation of an India desk within the ERT framework.
Analysts believe the visit reflects India’s broader effort to deepen strategic and economic engagement with Europe amid changing global trade dynamics and supply chain realignments.
Conclusion
PM Modi’s outreach in Sweden underlined India’s ambition to emerge as a global manufacturing, innovation and investment hub. By encouraging European companies to “Make in India and Export from India”, the government is aiming to strengthen international partnerships while boosting domestic production, technology transfer and employment generation.
The visit also signals India’s increasing focus on green growth, digital transformation and long-term economic cooperation with Europe.