New Delhi: India and Sweden share a longstanding bilateral relationship that dates back to India’s independence. The foundation of this partnership has been built on shared values of sustainability, innovation, and green transition. In the current era, the ties between the two nations are evolving, with a renewed focus on these principles. Both countries are actively collaborating on initiatives related to green transition, energy efficiency, and broader efforts to address global environmental challenges.
Sweden’s Ambassador to India Jan Thesleff discusses a host of issues with TV9 Network Executive Editor Aditya Raj Kaul in our episode of The Diplomat.
‘Stable relations stand on many different legs’
Thesleff highlighted that India and Sweden have enjoyed over 75 years of diplomatic relations, with ties between the two nations extending far beyond diplomacy and Swedish companies have been established in India for over 120 years.
“We have now more than 75 years of diplomatic relations. And I really stress diplomatic relations because our relationship with India, between two countries, between companies, between people go much, much further than that. You know, we have Swedish companies that are in India or here established in 120 plus years plus. So it’s really you know, a long time relationship. Diplomatic in 75 years. Right. I would say that we have never had as good relations as we have today. Right. And not only deep, but also very broad. And, I see it my task to broaden those relations even more, you know, stable relations stand on many different legs, some somehow, ” Thesleff told TV9 Network
‘Green transition is a survival issue’
Thesleff said that the green transition is a survival issue for the world, including India. She noted that his country has been actively developing green technologies through industry research, academia and private enterprise, which have had a major impact on the climate, economy and people’s lives.
“I think the green transition is a survival issue. Yes. it is a survival issue for us, for the world and also for India.and, what we have had since a very long time, we have had, industry research, academia, private enterprise, diving into green tech. But we are a country of 10 million people. Many of the technologies, many of the experience that we have, they do have a real effect. Effect on the climate, effect on the economy, effect on people’s lives,” he said.
‘Volume of tourists from India’
She said that India’s diplomatic posts in Sweden issue the most visas globally, with a significant volume of tourists, business travellers, students and workers.
“I think, already, India as, diplomatic posts, where we issue visas, is the post in the world for Sweden that is issuing most visas globally. So we have a huge volume. we have a volume of tourists, business travellers, and of course, also when it comes to permits, of those who go for, to, to study or to work, we, we have a community of Indians in Sweden that amounts to 70,000 people today. Well, in 20, 31% of our population would be Indian.”
