PM Modi gets Sweden’s Royal Order Of Polar Star, his 31st global honour so far
Mangalore Today News Network
Sweden, May 18, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Sweden’s prestigious Royal Order of Polar Star Commander Grand Cross on Sunday.
Royal Order of Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, is considered Sweden’s highest honour bestowed upon foreign leaders and heads of government. The recognition marks the 31st international honour received by Prime Minister Modi and is seen as a reflection of the growing ties between India and Sweden.
Sweden’s Highest Honour For Heads of Government
The award recognises PM Modi for his role in enhancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between India and Sweden in areas such as trade, innovation, technology and sustainability. With this distinction, the PM becomes part of an exclusive group of international leaders to receive one of Sweden’s most prestigious state honours, highlighting the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Stockholm.
The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 and is intended to recognise personal endeavours for Sweden or for Swedish interests, particularly within public activities, as well as the successful performance of public tasks and duties, according to the official website.
PM Modi In Sweden For Two-Day Visit
PM Modi arrived in Sweden earlier in the day for a two-day visit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, at the Gothenburg Airport.
The Prime Minister’s aircraft was escorted by Swedish Air Force jets while landing in Gothenburg. Thereafter, he received a warm welcome from Kristersson at the airport.
“I will be meeting Prime Minister Kristersson with the aim of advancing the India-Sweden friendship in trade, investments, innovation, defence and more," the Indian leader said in a social media post earlier in the day.
He further said, “With PM Kristersson and President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, I will be meeting European business leaders at the European Business Round Table for Industry. This will also deepen investment linkages between India and Europe."
The PM’s two-day Sweden tour has been planned to focus on exploring new avenues of cooperation to enhance bilateral trade, which reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.