India-Nordic relations

India–Nordic relations refer to the bilateral and multilateral ties between the Republic of India and the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The relationship has been structured through a series of summits, with the third India-Nordic Summit held in Oslo, Norway, on 19 May 2026.[1]

Strategic and economic partnership

The leaders decided to elevate the India-Nordic relationship to a "trusted Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership."[1] The summit took place following the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in October 2025 and the conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement in January 2026.[2] Under TEPA, EFTA states aim to invest US$100 billion in India, creating one million direct jobs.[1] According to Prime Minister Modi, bilateral trade between India and the Nordic countries increased fourfold over the decade preceding 2026, and India's total trade with the Nordic countries was $19 billion in 2024.[3][4]

Multilateral, climate, Arctic, space, and future summits

The Nordic prime ministers expressed support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and welcomed India's application to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG).[1] On climate action, the Nordic countries appreciated India's renewable energy targets, and the leaders emphasised affordable climate finance and technology transfer for developing countries.[1] The leaders recognised India's observer status in the Arctic Council and welcomed its engagement in the council's working groups.[1] In space cooperation, they welcomed a framework agreement between ISRO and the Norwegian Space Agency and a proposed Swedish payload on India's Venus Orbiter Mission.[1] The leaders condemned the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam (22 April 2025) and near the Red Fort (10 November 2025).[1] Regarding regional conflicts, they expressed concern over the war in Ukraine, called for implementation of UNSC resolution 2803 on Gaza, and welcomed the 8 April 2026 ceasefire in West Asia.[1] The fourth India-Nordic Summit is scheduled to be hosted by Finland.[5]

Different views and criticisms

During Modi's European tour, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed concerns over press freedom and minority rights in India, particularly regarding the Muslim community.[6] India's External Affairs Secretary Sibi George responded that such questions stem from a "lack of understanding."[7] Unlike the Nordic countries, which consider Russia the primary security threat, India has maintained strategic ties with Russia and refrained from firmly condemning the invasion of Ukraine, though it has diversified energy imports after US tariffs.[8] Regarding Arctic cooperation, analyst Garima Mohan noted that Nordic countries prefer keeping discussions within the Arctic Council rather than formalising bilateral mechanisms.[9]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Joint Statement: 3rd India-Nordic Summit, Oslo, 19 May 2026". Government Offices of Sweden. 19 May 2026. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  2. ↑ "Prime Minister participates in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Nordic countries". Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. 19 May 2026. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  3. ↑ "India-Nordic partnership set to usher in 'golden era', says PM Modi". The Economic Times. 19 May 2026. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  4. ↑ Shankar, Priyanka (19 May 2026). "India-Nordic summit: Why is Modi wooing Northern Europe?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  5. ↑ "Joint Statement: 3rd India-Nordic Summit, Oslo, 19 May 2026". Government Offices of Sweden. 19 May 2026. Retrieved 21 May 2026. The leaders decided that the 4th India-Nordic Summit will be hosted by Finland.
  6. ↑ Shankar, Priyanka (19 May 2026). "India-Nordic summit: Why is Modi wooing Northern Europe?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 May 2026. Before his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, however, Dutch Prime Minister Jetten told local media that the Netherlands is concerned about certain developments in India. 'It is not only about press freedom, but also about the rights of minorities, who are under severe pressure. That applies in the first place to the Muslim community, but also to many other smaller communities.'
  7. ↑ Shankar, Priyanka (19 May 2026). "India-Nordic summit: Why is Modi wooing Northern Europe?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 May 2026. Asked by journalists in The Hague about Jetten's concerns, India's External Affairs Secretary Sibi George said: 'We face these kinds of questions basically because of the lack of understanding of the person who asks the question.'
  8. ↑ Shankar, Priyanka (19 May 2026). "India-Nordic summit: Why is Modi wooing Northern Europe?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 May 2026. India has long had strong strategic ties with Russia... On Russia's actions in Ukraine, India has called for an end to the war but has refrained from firmly condemning Russia. But after US President Donald Trump slapped an additional 25 percent trade tariff on India for buying Russian oil last year, India has looked to diversify its energy supplies.
  9. ↑ Shankar, Priyanka (19 May 2026). "India-Nordic summit: Why is Modi wooing Northern Europe?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 21 May 2026. Mohan said the Arctic will be a part of discussions at the India-Nordic Summit... 'But I don't see any binding outputs coming out of this summit, since the Nordic countries are keen to keep these conversations a part of "official" formats like the Arctic Council.'
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