Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for presenting him with facsimiles of two handwritten epigrams by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, describing the gesture as a symbol of the deep cultural connection between India and Sweden. In a post on X, PM Modi said he was deeply touched by the thoughtful gift and thanked the Swedish government and its people. He noted that the gesture reflects the enduring cultural relationship shared by the two nations.

“Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s writings continue to inspire generations across the world. His ideas on humanity, knowledge, and brotherhood remain timeless,” PM Modi said. The Prime Minister’s remarks came after Ulf Kristersson shared details about the gift on social media. The Swedish Prime Minister stated that the facsimiles were discovered in the Swedish National Archives and highlighted Tagore’s global literary legacy after receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

Kristersson described the gift as a tribute to the long-standing friendship and cultural ties between India and Sweden. As a gesture of reciprocity, PM Modi presented Kristersson with a collection of Tagore’s literary works along with a handcrafted Shanti Niketan bag featuring designs inspired by Tagore. The handcrafted item was aimed at promoting traditional Indian craftsmanship and supporting local artisans.

During his visit, PM Modi also attended the European CEO Round Table alongside Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and senior business leaders from Europe and India. The discussions focused on economic cooperation, innovation, and industrial partnerships.

Following Sweden, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Norway for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and bilateral meetings. The visit marks the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in more than four decades, underlining India’s growing engagement with Northern European countries. In Oslo, PM Modi will participate in the India-Nordic Summit and hold talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional partnerships.