Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred with Sweden’s Royal Order of Polar Star, the highest honour awarded to a Head of Government by the Scandinavian nation, in Gothenburg on May 17, 2026. Photo: DPR PMO/ANI Photo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Sweden’s highest honour, the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross,’ on Sunday (May 17, 2026), in recognition of his exceptional contributions to bilateral ties and his visionary leadership.
The award is the highest distinction that can be given to a Head of Government. This is Prime Minister Modi’s 31st international honour.
PM Modi in Sweden updates on May 17, 2026
“A reaffirmation of friendship! Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred upon PM @narendramodi the ‘Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship and his visionary leadership,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
“The Prime Minister dedicated the honour to the historic ties between India and Sweden, and described it as a tribute to the warmth and affection shared between the people of India and Sweden,” he added.
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.
Also, PM Modi and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson exchanged special gifts commemorating Rabindranath Tagore and the enduring civilisational and intellectual ties between India and Sweden in the presence of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria.
Tagore, the first non-European Nobel Laureate, was unable to travel to Sweden in 1913 to receive the Nobel Prize. He was later received by King Gustav V during his visit to Sweden in 1921. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of Gurudev’s historic visit to Sweden in 1926.
Mr. Modi arrived in Sweden on Sunday (May 17, 2026) for a two-day visit. He was received by his Swedish counterpart, Ulf Kristersson, at the Gothenburg Airport.
Published – May 17, 2026 10:53 pm IST
