India to increase cooperation with Nordic countries in Europe: PM Modi -

Copenhagen: Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that India would take steps to increase bilateral cooperation with the Nordic countries in Europe. The second India-Nordic summit is scheduled to be held in the Danish capital city of Copenhagen. Before the summit, Prime Minister Modi held independent meetings with the heads of state of Nordic countries to discuss topics like Blue Water Economy, renewable energy, the space sector and fishing.

Moreover, Prime Minister Modi held independent talks with the leaders of Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland before the India-Nordic summit scheduled to start on Wednesday. It was the first time that the Indian Prime Minister met the Prime Ministers of Norway, Iceland, and Finland. The common issues in the discussion were the Blue Water Economy, space sector and renewable energy. The talks between Prime Minister Modi and Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, included policies regarding the Arctic sector.

Prime Minister Modi announced the Indian Arctic policy pivots around Norway. While the entire world is focused on the fuel-rich Arctic region, competition is building up to exploit the fuels from this region. India is cautious not to be left behind. Hence, there is a conscious effort to increase cooperation with Norway and the other Nordic countries. Therefore, the mention of the Arctic policy in the talks between the Indian and Norwegian Prime Ministers becomes significant.

The Joint action plan for bilateral cooperation between India and Sweden was reviewed during the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson. Prime Minister Modi had visited Sweden in 2018. The joint action plan was announced during that visit. This plan included cooperation in defence, trade, investment, energy, technology, and health sectors. Prime Minister Modi held comprehensive talks with the Prime Ministers of Finland and Iceland regarding bilateral cooperation.