2023 is a landmark year, commemorating 75 glorious years of diplomatic relations between India and Sweden. The ties between India and Sweden were established in 1948 and have steadily strengthened over the decades. For the year around, the Swedish embassy in New Delhi and The Indian Embassy in Stockholm have celebrated 75 years of Sweden-India diplomatic relations by organizing a series of activities. Swedish Ambassador Jan Thesleff, an experienced diplomat who has served in 15 different countries, hosted a gala reception at his residence on Friday, 8th December, to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Sweden.
In his address at the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Sweden and India, Ambassador Thesleff recalled the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai. He mentioned “Our two Prime Ministers met to launch the leadership groups for industry transition at COP28. And the new great initiative by India on green credits. So, this is the most recent example of our sambandh (bond). Together, India and Sweden want to do things smarter and more sustainable. We co-create and our motto has been for this year, Swedish innovation made in India”.
Highlighting the ties between the two nations, Ambassador Thesleff mentioned that five Indian Presidents have visited Sweden, four Swedish Prime Ministers have travelled to India, and Swedish Kings and Queens have come three times to the beautiful, lovely, fantastic country.
Swedish Astronaut Christer Fuglesang shared the stage with Ambassador Thesleff and shared his delight on India’s space triumph: “Chandrayaan-3 success is amazing…” He heaped praises on ISRO and called the Chandrayaan-3’s success “amazing and outstanding”. He said that he is looking forward to the next Indian mission like that.
The august occasion was marked with grandeur and festivity in a gathering that brought together dignitaries from the worlds of business, politics, tourism, culture, and art. The gala reception hosted about 1,000 guests, including Indian friends, Swedish citizens, as well as ambassadors and diplomats.
