India, Sweden Strengthen Partnership on Green Transition

Gothenburg, May 18, 2026: India and Sweden have strengthened their bilateral relationship by elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership, with climate action, industrial decarbonisation and sustainable growth emerging as key focus areas. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Gothenburg, where he met Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and endorsed a new India–Sweden Joint Action Plan for 2026–2030.

A major outcome of the discussions was the decision to strengthen the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), a global initiative jointly launched by India and Sweden to support the transition of heavy industries towards net-zero emissions. The two countries also announced plans for “LeadIT 3.0”, a new four-year phase expected to be formally launched at COP31.

The partnership places emphasis on collaboration in green transition, critical minerals, emerging technologies, sustainable supply chains and innovation-led industrial growth. Both countries also reiterated support for the India–Sweden Industry Transition Partnership (ITP), which focuses on reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and cement.

According to the joint statement, the collaboration will bring together governments, research institutions, industries and technology providers to develop low-carbon industrial solutions. Areas identified for cooperation include carbon capture and utilisation, hydrogen-based industrial heating, electrification, artificial intelligence-driven optimisation and value creation from industrial by-products and gases.

The renewed focus comes at a time when industrial decarbonisation is becoming increasingly important for India’s climate commitments and long-term economic growth. Sectors such as steel, cement and manufacturing continue to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions while also remaining central to the country’s development ambitions.

The partnership also reflects a broader global trend where climate cooperation is increasingly linked to trade, technology and industrial competitiveness. India and Sweden have announced plans to double bilateral trade and investment within the next five years through initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Made with Sweden”.

LeadIT, hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute, currently brings together governments and companies working towards low-carbon industrial transition and sustainable manufacturing pathways.