By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched India and the Nordic countries as “natural partners” bound by shared democratic values and a common focus on technology, sustainability and global cooperation. Speaking after the Third India-Nordic Summit, Modi said the growing partnership comes at a time when the world is facing geopolitical uncertainty, climate concerns and rapid technological shifts.
Held in Europe as part of Modi’s multi-nation tour, the summit brought together leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The meeting concluded with a major push to elevate ties through a new “Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership”, aimed at boosting cooperation in renewable energy, maritime sectors, climate resilience and Arctic research.
Standing alongside Nordic leaders after the summit, Modi said democratic systems, respect for international law and support for multilateral institutions form the foundation of the relationship. He added that both India and the Nordic nations are looking to build future-focused partnerships in clean technology, innovation and sustainable growth.
The summit also reflected the growing strategic importance of the Nordic region for India, especially in sectors such as green hydrogen, clean mobility, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Officials familiar with the discussions said there was strong interest from both sides in expanding investment flows and accelerating technology partnerships.
Among the notable meetings during the summit was Modi’s first interaction with Iceland Prime Minister Kristrún Mjöll Frostadóttir since she took office in 2024. Frostadóttir highlighted the cultural connection between India and Iceland, referring to the shared word “sambandh”, meaning relationship or connection, while stressing the importance of stronger people-to-people ties.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the current global situation demanded closer coordination among trusted democratic partners. Finland will host the next India-Nordic Summit.
Trade and economic engagement also figured prominently in the talks. India’s combined trade with the five Nordic nations currently stands at around $19 billion, and leaders agreed there is significant room for expansion. The discussions gained additional momentum after recent trade agreements involving the European Union and European Free Trade Association.
A joint statement issued after the summit backed India’s bid for a permanent seat at a reformed UN Security Council and supported New Delhi’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group. The leaders also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable international order based on international law and peaceful dialogue.
The summit additionally saw strong condemnation of terrorism, including recent attacks in India. Both sides pledged greater cooperation on counter-terror financing, cybersecurity threats and the misuse of emerging technologies by extremist groups.
With climate action, secure supply chains and geopolitical stability becoming central global concerns, the India-Nordic partnership appears set to move beyond diplomacy into long-term strategic collaboration.
