PM Modi thanks Sweden for "support" during Pahalgam terror attack, reiterate commitment to fight terrorism
PM Modi thanks Sweden for support during Pahalgam terror attack, reiterates commitment to fight terrorism
Gothenburg [Sweden], May 18 (ANI): Reiterating that terrorism poses a grave challenge to the whole of humanity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) expressed his gratitude to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for support during the Pahalgam terror attack and stated that both countries would continue the fight against terrorism and its backers.
Speaking at the CEO Round Table in Gothenburg, PM Modi stressed the special significance that both Sweden and India hold in the present-day tense environment.
"In today's tense global environment, close cooperation between democracies like India and Sweden holds special significance... India and Sweden agree that terrorism poses a grave challenge to all of humanity. I express my gratitude to Prime Minister Kristersson for the support we received from Sweden following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam last year. We will continue our fight against terrorism and its supporters," said PM Modi.
26 people were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025 which included 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen. India later launched Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, where the Indian forces targeted nine terror camps in deep areas of Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
He further asserted that cooperation between both countries in the defence sector stands as a testament to the relationship between India and Sweden, where their relationship is not just limited to buyer and seller, but is moving towards a long-term industrial relationship.
"Our cooperation in the defence sector is continuously expanding. The establishment of production facilities in India by Swedish companies stands as a testament to the fact that we are moving beyond a mere buyer-seller relationship towards a long-term industrial partnership," said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister also thanked European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen for her presence at the event, and reflected on her previous visit to India in January this year. PM Modi hailed the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, adding that the pact would unlock new opportunities for industries, investors, and innovators.
"The presence of Ursula von der Leyen today makes this occasion even more special. During her visit to India this past January, we took several historic decisions aimed at elevating India-EU relations to new heights. Progress is being made on all those outcomes. The India-EU FTA will unlock new opportunities for industries, investors, and innovators. To quote Ursula, this is the 'Mother of All Deals'," said the Prime Minister.
Apart from PM Modi, Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, senior European industry leaders, and representatives from leading European and Indian companies participated in the European CEO round table hosted by the Volvo Group.
Earlier in the day, PM Narendra Modi was conferred Sweden's prestigious "Royal Order of Polar Star Commander Grand Cross", the highest honour awarded by the Scandinavian nation to a foreign head of government.
The exceptional award was presented during the Prime Minister's visit to Sweden and marks the 31st international honour received by the Indian Prime Minister from a foreign country.
PM Modi is in Sweden currently, which is the third leg of his five-nation tour. He will later head to Norway on May 18.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see PM Modi acknowledging Sweden's solidarity post-Pahalgam. That attack was brutal—25 Indians and a Nepali citizen killed just for being there. Operation Sindoor was a strong response, but we need sustained diplomatic pressure on those who harbor terrorists. Sweden's defence partnership is also promising; we need more tech transfer and less "buyer-seller" dynamics.
As someone from the US, it's impressive to see India's diplomatic outreach. The PM getting Sweden's highest award is a big deal. But I hope this isn't just optics—terrorism is a global scourge, and the world needs India's resolve. The Pahalgam attack was a wake-up call. Solidarity from Europe matters, but actions against the root causes are what count.
Proud of PM Modi's stance. Sweden backing us after Pahalgam is a strong diplomatic win. But I wish we'd see more concrete moves—like extradition treaties or freezing assets of terror sponsors. The India-EU FTA being called "Mother of All Deals" is encouraging, but let's ensure our farmers and small industries aren't left behind. Balance is key! 🤔
Sweden awarding PM Modi the Polar Star order is a big diplomatic gesture. But I have mixed feelings—while anti-terror cooperation is vital, we must also push for human rights dialogue. India's response to terror should be strong but within legal frameworks. The Pahalgam tragedy shows the human cost; let's hope this partnership leads to genuine peace efforts.
Ek baat toh clear hai—terror
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