PM Modi Receives Sweden’s Royal Order of Polar Star

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross, on 17 May 2026 in Gothenburg during his visit to Sweden. The honour was conferred by Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and is Sweden’s highest award for a foreign head of government.

Royal Order of the Polar Star

The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 in Sweden. It is awarded to foreign citizens for civic merits, devotion to duty, and contributions to science, literature, and useful works. The order includes the grade of Commander Grand Cross, which is among its senior classes.

India-Sweden Strategic Partnership

India and Sweden maintain a strategic partnership that covers trade, technology, defence, green transition, and artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson discussed bilateral cooperation during the visit, and bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.

International Honours and Diplomatic Protocol

The Royal Order of the Polar Star is used by Sweden to recognise foreign leaders and senior public figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conferment marked his 31st international honour, and the award was presented in a formal ceremony in Gothenburg.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Royal Order of the Polar Star was instituted in 1748 by Sweden.
• The Commander Grand Cross is a senior grade in the Royal Order of the Polar Star.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the honour in Gothenburg on 17 May 2026.
• India-Sweden bilateral trade reached USD 7.75 billion in 2025.