Honoured to have addressed European Round Table for Industry in Gothenburg: PM Modi
New Delhi, May 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that he was honoured to address the European Round Table for Industry in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Prime Minister said his speech focused on the growing convergence between India and Europe, the opportunities emerging from the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and India's reform-driven economic growth journey.
PM Modi took to social media 'X' and said, "Honoured to have addressed the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg yesterday. My speech covered the growing India-Europe convergence, the opportunities opened by the India-EU FTA, India's reform-driven growth journey and the vast scope for collaboration in technology, clean energy, infrastructure, mobility and healthcare."
In another post, PM Modi said, "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 Sweden can be enhanced, particularly in futuristic technologies, R&D, AI, security and healthcare. I emphasised on the reform trajectory of India and how it offers new opportunities in several sectors like infrastructure, innovation, technology and more."
PM Modi has said that India emerged as one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment, innovation and manufacturing, while inviting European companies to deepen engagement with the country as a trusted and reliable economic partner, according to an official statement issued on Monday.
Addressing the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) in Gothenburg, PM Modi highlighted the growing strategic convergence between India and Europe and stressed the importance of trusted partnerships amid an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.
He welcomed the growing momentum in India-EU relations, including the successful conclusion of negotiations for the landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a transformative economic partnership that would open new opportunities in trade, technology, manufacturing, services and resilient supply chains.
He said connectivity initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) would add new value to the India-Europe business partnership.
Meanwhile, highlighting the nation's rapid economic growth and next-generation reforms, PM Modi pointed to the government's focus on ease of doing business, expanding digital public infrastructure, a vibrant manufacturing ecosystem, and rapidly transforming the infrastructure sector.
While reiterating India's vision of 'Design for India, Make in India and Export from India', he invited European businesses to expand investments in sectors including telecom and digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electronics and deep-tech manufacturing, green transition and clean energy, infrastructure and mobility, as well as healthcare and life sciences.
PM Modi has underlined the need for India and Europe to work together to build resilient and diversified supply chains. He highlighted India's ambitious infrastructure and energy transition plans, including large-scale investments in transport, logistics, renewable energy, green hydrogen and nuclear power.
He further stressed the importance of talent mobility, education and skill partnerships between India and Europe and noted that India's young and skilled workforce would play a major role in future global economic growth.
In addition, he proposed holding the India-Europe CEOs Roundtable annually and suggested setting up an India Desk at the ERT.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see PM Modi pitching India as a trusted partner. But I hope the FTA doesn't just benefit big corporates. We need to ensure that small farmers and local businesses in India also get fair access to European markets. That's the real test.
I'm an American living in Bangalore, and even I can see the excitement here about Europe-India ties. The IMEC corridor connecting India to Europe via Middle East is a bold vision. If executed well, it could transform global trade routes.
The focus on AI, semiconductors, and green hydrogen is spot on! India's young workforce combined with European tech expertise could be a powerhouse. Hope we see more student exchange programs and joint R&D labs as a result of this.
PM Modi's proposal for an annual India-Europe CEOs Roundtable and an India Desk at ERT shows he's serious about sustained engagement. That's smart diplomacy — not just a photo op. Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria attending is a big deal too.
As someone from the UK, I find it interesting that Modi is building such strong ties with continental Europe while Brexit Britain scrambles for new trade deals. India clearly sees the EU as its gateway to the West. Clever strategy.
A Arjun K