India-Sweden Ties: Forging a Cohesive Partnership

From areas like human rights and political differences to climate and sustainability, both countries often differ on certain points, sometimes causing friction in their bilateral relations. Most prominently, India and Sweden differ notably in their approach to Russia. While New Delhi sees Russia as a historical ally and key supplier of defense equipment, Sweden (and the EU at large) views Russia as an imminent security threat. These distinct approaches are shaped not only by their historical lenses, but also by their different strategic priorities and geopolitical alignments. Both countries have sought to manage these differences pragmatically while continuing to focus on other areas of cooperation.

Despite these challenges, the India-Sweden relationship is marked by mutual respect and underpinned by robust economic relations. Both are regarded as natural partners in that they share strong democratic values, pluralism, and institutional foundations. Although Russia remains a point of divergence, India and Sweden have thus far navigated the issue well. In fact, many voices in Europe would argue that the strategic value of EU-India relations outweighs disagreements, and there is a need to continue to interact and collaborate on points of convergence. India’s rising economic and strategic profile underscores its strategic importance for Sweden. As the world’s fifth-largest economy, India is a hub for trade, investment, and innovation, attracting global attention with its thriving start-up ecosystem and ambitious digital transformation. Strategically too, India occupies a pivotal location in the Indo-Pacific, serving as a key player in regional and global security. On its part, Sweden is an important economic and strategic partner for India due to its advanced technological capabilities, focus on sustainability, and alignment with India’s developmental priorities.

Looking forward, while collaborations in sustainability, innovation, and defense have grown, deeper engagement in areas like digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing could unlock new opportunities. Trade volumes, though increasing, still do not reflect the full potential of both economies. Greater investment and technology
transfer, particularly in green hydrogen and renewable energy storage, could amplify outcomes. Furthermore, stronger people-to-people connections, academic exchanges, and cultural partnerships can enhance mutual understanding.