Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the growing depth and dynamism of India's ties with the Nordic countries at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. The summit, held virtually, saw participation from the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Modi emphasized the importance of the India-Nordic partnership, which has expanded beyond traditional areas of cooperation to include cutting-edge fields such as digital technology, renewable energy, and space. He noted that the summit provides a platform to explore new avenues for collaboration and to strengthen the bond between India and the Nordic region.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, climate change, and sustainable development. The leaders exchanged views on how to enhance economic ties and promote green growth. Modi highlighted India's commitment to renewable energy and its ambitious targets for solar and wind power, which align with the Nordic countries' expertise in clean energy technologies.
In the area of digital technology, the leaders discussed collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital health. They also explored opportunities for joint research and innovation in space technology, with a focus on satellite-based services for agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
Commitment to Global Challenges
The summit also addressed global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and the need for sustainable recovery. Modi appreciated the Nordic countries' support for India's proposal for a global initiative on climate action and their collaboration in the International Solar Alliance. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Nordic leaders for their continued support and cooperation. He looked forward to hosting the next India-Nordic Summit in India, which will further deepen the partnership between the two regions.
