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Air India ferries Swedish Royal couple after aircraft develops snag

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf shakes hands with India’s prime minister Modi as Queen Silvia looks on during a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday (2) (REUTERS/Altaf Hussain).

By: Radhakrishna N S

INDIA’S national carrier Air India chipped in to ferry Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on their state visit to India when their aircraft developed a technical snag at the last minute.

The Royal couple, who are on their second five-day visit to India after 26 years, were scheduled to arrive here on their state aircraft.

However, they had to take a direct commercial flight of Air India from Stockholm to New Delhi Monday (2) morning.

“The reason for the change was that there was a technical problem with the state aircraft,” a Swedish official told.

On arrival, they were greeted by the country manager of Air India Sangeeta Sanyal.

“Very Proud moment of Air India when we had a Special Guest onboard. His Majesty Carl Gustaf Folke Hubertus , King of Sweden and Her Majesty Silvia Renate Sommerlath travelled AI168 Stockholm to Delhi. Sangeeta Sanyal Country Manager Sweden greeted the Royal guests,” Air India tweeted.

The couple were received at the airport by the Indian minister of state for environment, forests and climate change Babul Supriyo with Kathakali dancers and traditional drummers to welcome the dignitaries.