Open society, free media in India reassuring: Sweden envoy to India Harald Sandberg

Sandberg, who was speaking to The Indian Express at the embassy in Chanakyapuri, added that when he asks Swedish industrialists about one concrete measure they want to see in India, they reply “implementation of the GST (Goods and Services Tax)”.

[related-post]

Speaking on the Bofors scandal and its Sweden link, Sandberg said he doesn’t see it as a “hindrance” as much “water has flowed” since the scandal came to light.

The Swedish embassy is now organising events associated with the Nobel prize.

In the coming weeks, the embassy will organise a quiz competition. A Nobel dinner replicating the dinner for Nobel laureates will also be organised.

Speaking on the Dadri incident, he said: “I am always worried when I see relations between groups in societies go wrong…but I am full of confidence that the openness of the society is a hallmark here. I am very impressed talking to the people of this country. you discuss these issues among your society, that’s very important. ”

Sandberg, who has spent over three years in India, added, “One of the strengths of the Indian society is the debate and discussion…I would be worried at home…The fact that you have an independent media, is one of a huge advantage…”

He said the Swedish industry is studying the economic climate in India, he said the country is preparing a study on the subject which will be out next year.

“We will then know they feel. But, they tell me that the implementation of the GST is the
one thing they want implemented.”

On the Bofors scandal, he said, “I was a boy when it happened…of course, the word (Bofors) means something here. But, I no longer see it as a shadow…It was a full generation ago, so much water has flown since then.”

Speaking on the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish  Prime Minister Stefan Loefven on the sidelines of the United Nation General Assembly, Sandberg and said both the countries are “open societies”, “market economies” and have the same stand on a number of global issues.

He also said that that Sweden supports India’s claim for permanent member status in the UN Security Council.
Referring to the COP-21 climate conference to be held later this year in Paris, he expressed hope that India will be able to play a “positive and constructive role” at the meet.