Associated News Bureau

Sweden Confers Highest Civilian Honour on PM Modi, Strengthening Bilateral Strategic Partnership, PM Modi Becomes First Asian Leader to Receive Sweden’s Prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star

New Delhi, May 2026: ANB: In a prestigious ceremony held in Gothenburg, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross” — one of Sweden’s oldest and most distinguished honours instituted in the 18th century. The award represents Sweden’s highest honour bestowed upon foreign Heads of Government in recognition of exceptional public service and significant contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations with Sweden. Expressing gratitude on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi thanked Crown Princess Victoria and the people of Sweden for the honour. He dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion citizens of India and to the enduring friendship shared between India and Sweden. The Prime Minister stated that the conferment of the Royal Order of the Polar Star reflects the deep-rooted historical ties and civilizational bonds between the two nations. He described the honour as a tribute to the warmth, mutual respect, and strong people-to-people relations connecting India and Sweden. Notably, Prime Minister Modi has become the first Asian leader to receive the prestigious award. The honour is being viewed as a significant milestone in the India-Sweden Strategic Partnership and underlines the shared commitment of both nations to further enhancing bilateral cooperation while contributing collectively towards global peace, stability, and prosperity. ANB