In a first, Swedish PM Stefan Lofven to receive Modi at airport

As Narendra Modi lands in Sweden in a few hours, he will be received by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven at the airport as an ''exceptional gesture'', said Monika Mohta Indian ambassador to Sweden and Latvia.

Modiwill be reaching Stockholm on Mondayevening.PM Modi is on a five-day official visit to Sweden and the United Kingdom.

"An exceptional gesture is being made by Sweden. Swedish Prime Minister will go, for the first time ever, to receive any foreign dignitary at the airport. We are proud of the fact that he will be there to receive our prime minister'', said Monika Mohta.

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The Indian ambassador called it a "historic visit" since this would be thefirst prime ministerial visit from India to Sweden after 30 years. India's latePM Rajiv Gandhivisited Sweden in 1988.

Mohta added that a busy schedule has been lined up for the PM. On the agenda will be issues such as innovation and technology.

During the course of this visit, Modi is scheduled to participate in first ever India-Nordic Summit and this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.

On Tuesday, Modi and his Swedish counterpart, Stefan Lofven will hold a bilateral summit during which bilateral, regional and global issues are expected to be discussed.

During Modi's visit, an India-Sweden Innovation Partnership is also expected tolaunchfirst ever India-Nordic Summit, where, apart from Modi and Lofven, the Prime Ministers of the other four Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway will also be present.

After attending the summit PM Modi will be meeting CEOs of Sweden and will interact with the Indian community.

Modi will leave for the UK on April 17, where he will hold a bilateral summit with UK prime minister Theresa May.