Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded Sweden’s prestigious “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross,” marking another significant moment in India’s growing global diplomatic presence. The honour was presented during PM Modi’s official visit to Sweden and is regarded as the highest distinction Sweden awards to a foreign Head of Government.
The award ceremony took place in Gothenburg in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who formally conferred the honour on the Indian Prime Minister. Swedish officials described the recognition as a tribute to PM Modi’s leadership and his contribution towards strengthening ties between India and Sweden.
Instituted in 1748, the Royal Order of the Polar Star is one of Sweden’s oldest and most respected honours. It is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions connected to Sweden, international cooperation and public service. According to official Swedish government statements, the honour also reflects the growing strategic relationship between the two nations.
Jag tilldelades nyss Nordstjärneorden. Detta är inte bara en ära för mig, utan för hela Indiens 1,4 miljarder människor.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2026
Det är också en hyllning till alla våra vänner i Sverige som har stärkt relationerna mellan Indien och Sverige och lagt en stark grund. Må vänskapen mellan… pic.twitter.com/MUjnrTEyTD
PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and described it as recognition of the longstanding friendship and shared values between India and Sweden. He said the honour symbolises the warmth, trust and deepening partnership that continues to shape relations between both countries across multiple sectors.
The visit also focused heavily on expanding cooperation in areas such as innovation, green technology, defence, trade, artificial intelligence and sustainable development. India and Sweden have steadily strengthened their strategic partnership in recent years, with both countries increasingly collaborating on technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing initiatives.
Held wonderful discussions with PM Ulf Kristersson. It was great to have HRH Crown Princess Victoria also join the meeting. She also conveyed the wishes of Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden. My gratitude to them.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2026
India-Sweden relations are built on the strong… pic.twitter.com/Z8IsQJxvh6
Officials from both nations highlighted the importance of stronger India–Sweden cooperation amid evolving global economic and geopolitical challenges. Sweden has emerged as an important European partner for India, particularly in innovation-driven industries, sustainability and advanced engineering sectors.
This latest recognition is also being described as PM Modi’s 31st international honour since becoming Prime Minister, reflecting India’s expanding diplomatic engagement and growing international visibility under his leadership. The award has generated significant attention both in India and internationally, with supporters viewing it as a reflection of India’s rising global influence.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and I met business leaders of Sweden in Gothenburg last evening. Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria also took part in this interaction. We had wide ranging conversations with the business leaders on how economic linkages between India and… pic.twitter.com/pOzRAD4Yys
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2026
The conferment of the Royal Order of the Polar Star is expected to further strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties between India and Sweden, while reinforcing cooperation on future economic, technological and strategic initiatives between the two countries.
