The king and queen of Sweden flew to India by taking a schedule commercial nonstop Air India from Stockholm to Delhi. Their down-to-earth behaviour on board the aircraft, where King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus relished Indian meal, and then carried his own cabin bags on alighting from the Dreamliner at Delhi airport’s aerobridge instantly endeared the royal couple to everyone.
The flight started as a fairy tale for the cash-strapped AI, which operates its twin class - business and economy - Boeing 787 Dreamliner between Delhi and Stockholm thrice a week. “Six hours before our scheduled take off from Stockholm our office there got a call from the Royal Palace. They wanted to make a tentative booking for 14 seats, four in business and 10 in economy,” said sources. The reason: the official aircraft of the Swedish royal family had developed a snag. The king and queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath are learnt to have been keen on keeping their official trip to India as per schedule.
The royal couple drove into Stockholm-Arlanda Airport and alighted at the base of the aerobridge on terminal building side. They boarded AI Dreamliner from there and were welcomed by all crew members. The flight took off at its schedule time. During the flight, the royal couple floored the AI crew with their politeness and down-to-earth behaviour.
India, Sweden to combat terrorism
Days after she expressed reservations about India’s actions in Kashmir, Swedish foreign minister Ann Linde met her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar for intensive discussions to ramp up cooperation in international platforms to combat terrorism. “Wide-ranging conversation with Swedish FM Ann Linde. Discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in environment, manufacturing, health and smart cities. Urged greater mobility of Indian talent,” Jaishankar tweeted after the talks. “Strong identity of views on multi-lateralism. We agreed on a new consultation mechanism. Will cooperate closely in the UN,” he added.
Linde tweeted: “Our countries have longstanding relations and we stand united in promoting a rules-based international order, a key for peace and prosperity.” Their talks came during the Swedish Royal's visit who are on a six-day tour of India.
Jaishankar also discussed with Linde the challenge of terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism. “Emphasised that right to life is the most basic human right. Agreed to work together in international forums to address this key challenge of terrorism,” he said. This was a response to the Swedish parliament’s statement on Kashmir.
The Royal couple's schedule
Their Majesties will visit the Great Mosque of Jama Masjid and the World Heritage Red Fort before ending their first day with a State Banquet at the Presidential Palace. The second day will see a focus on climate, environment, and business issues. The first event of the day will be the India Sweden Business Summit, which will encourage dialogue between Indian and Swedish businesses to discuss collaborations and opportunities.
King Carl XVI Gustaf will participate in a roundtable discussion on Sweden and India’s work for emissions and air pollution. Queen Silvia will visit the All India Institute for Medial Science to learn about elderly care and dementia care in the country.
Queen Silvia will also visit the UN in India to hear about how the country is working to prevent human trafficking. Their Majesties will also attend a lunch hosted by the Swedish Institute before attending the opening of the India Sweden Business Leaders’ Roundtable. In the evening, they will attend a reception at the Swedish Embassy.
On the third day, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia will travel to Mumbai to begin a day of engagements there, including visiting Versova Beach for the world’s largest beach clean-up project.
Their Majesties will visit Doorstep School, which provides free school and homework help to poor children and attend a workshop about inspiring girls to learn about technology. King Carl XVI Gustaf will meet with Swedish and Indian business leaders in Mumbai that evening before Their Majesties attend a reception hosted by the Swedish Consulate General at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangarahalaya Museum.
On the fourth day, Their Majesties will travel to the state of Uttarakhand. There, they will visit Rishikesh on the Ganges River to meet with young environmental activists and the Centre for Science and Environment. Before leaving the Ganges, they will take part in a traditional ceremony.
Afterwards, King Carl XVI Gustaf will join the Indian Minister for Water Affairs to open two water treatment plants in Haridwar. Then, Their Majesties will meet with experts in nature conservation and sustainable forestry for meetings throughout the afternoon and evening.
On their final day in India, their Majesties will continue to meet with experts to discuss environmental protection and biodiversity. Their final engagement will be to visit the Van Gujjar village to learn more about traditional farming and animal husbandry in the area.
