Modi, Swedish PM exchange Tagore-themed gifts during Sweden visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson exchanged specially curated gifts inspired by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore during Modi’s official visit to Sweden, adding a cultural dimension to high-level discussions on trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.

The exchange took place in Gothenburg on the sidelines of the European CEO round table hosted by the Volvo Group, which was attended by senior European industry leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and representatives from Indian and European companies.

As part of the exchange, Kristersson presented Modi with facsimiles of two handwritten epigrams by Rabindranath Tagore that were recently discovered in the Swedish National Archives.

The gift also included a photograph of Tagore taken during his 1921 visit to Uppsala University along with explanatory notes about the documents.

Sharing details of the gesture on social media, the Swedish Prime Minister said the poems reflected the long-standing relationship between India and Sweden. He noted that Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature, had visited Sweden in 1921 and 1926.

Responding to the gesture, Modi said he was “deeply touched” to receive the facsimiles and described them as a reflection of the enduring cultural bond between the two nations.

He also said Tagore’s ideas on human dignity, knowledge and fraternity continued to inspire people across generations and geographies.

In return, Modi gifted Kristersson a collection of Tagore’s literary works along with a handcrafted Shantiniketan bag featuring motifs associated with the poet’s vision of empowering local artisans through everyday art and craftsmanship.

According to official statements, the handcrafted bag symbolised Tagore’s belief that art should not remain confined to galleries but should become part of daily life. The exchange also coincides with the centenary of Tagore’s 1926 visit to Sweden.

Tagore shares a unique historical connection with Sweden. Although he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for Gitanjali, he could not travel to Sweden to receive the honour that year. He later visited Sweden in 1921, where he was formally received by King Gustav V.

Beyond the cultural symbolism, Modi’s Sweden visit focused on strengthening economic and strategic ties with Nordic and European nations. During the CEO round table, European business leaders reportedly expressed strong interest in India’s growth trajectory and reform-driven economy.

Modi is currently on a multi-nation Europe tour and is scheduled to travel to Norway next for the India-Nordic Summit and bilateral engagements.