Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India’s partnership with the Nordic countries is set to be upgraded into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. Addressing a joint press meet after the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, the Prime Minister said India and the Nordic region can combine Nordic expertise in sustainability with India’s scale to develop trusted global solutions for the future.
The Prime Minister highlighted the steady growth in India-Nordic relations, noting that trade has increased four-fold over the past decade, while investments from Nordic countries in India have risen by around 200 per cent. He added that this growth has not only supported India’s development but has also generated employment opportunities in Nordic countries.
The Prime Minister said the upgraded partnership will focus on leveraging the strengths of each Nordic nation. He pointed out that Iceland brings expertise in geothermal energy and fisheries, Norway in the blue economy and Arctic affairs, Sweden in advanced manufacturing and defence, Finland in telecommunications and digital technologies, and Denmark in cybersecurity and health technologies. He also said cooperation is being strengthened at the level of universities, laboratories, and start-up ecosystems to promote research, skill development, and talent mobility between the two sides.
Referring to shared cultural connections, the Prime Minister noted that the word “Sambandh,” meaning relations, is common in Indian and Nordic languages, and expressed hope that this would reflect in deeper and more meaningful ties going forward.
The Nordic leaders, in their remarks, reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, a rules-based global order, and reforms in multilateral institutions. They also called for stronger cooperation with India in addressing global challenges, including conflict and disruption.
On global issues, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s position in favour of cessation of conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. He also underlined that India and the Nordic countries share a firm stance against terrorism, with no tolerance for double standards.
The Summit concluded with both sides expressing confidence that the India-Nordic partnership will emerge as a model of shared prosperity, innovation, and sustainable development.
