The two leaders will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on Friday. This will be the 5th interaction between the two leaders since 2015.

The two leaders will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire spectrum of the bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues including further strengthening of cooperation in the post Covid-19 era, said the Ministry of External Affairs in a press release issued today.

India and Sweden have warm and friendly relations based on shared values of democracy, freedom, pluralism and rules-based international order.

Both countries have very close cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, innovation, science & technology as well as research and development.

Around 250 Swedish companies are actively operating in India in various sectors such as health and life sciences, auto industry, clean technology, defence, heavy machinery & equipment. Around 75 Indian companies are also active in Sweden, the MEA release noted.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Stockholm in April, 2018 for the First India Nordic Summit. Prime Minister Löfven had visited India in February, 2016 for the special Make in India week.

Earlier, the two leaders had met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September, 2015 according to the MEA release.

In April, 2020, the two Prime Ministers had a telephonic conversation to discuss the situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden had also visited India in December, 2019.