Former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir highlighted the growing relationship between India and the Nordic countries during her visit to New Delhi for the Arctic Circle India Forum. Her remarks come ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Norway for the third India-Nordic Summit, scheduled for later this month.
Speaking to ThePrint, Jakobsdóttir emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, especially in a world facing increasing geopolitical and environmental turbulence. “Relations between India and the Nordics have grown significantly stronger. This upcoming summit in Oslo marks an important step in that partnership,” she said.
The India-Nordic Summit, set to be held in Norway, will bring together the leaders of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Jakobsdóttir previously represented Iceland at the first two editions of the summit and played a key role in steering Nordic cooperation with India.
She stressed the value of collaboration over condescension, referencing Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks on Europe’s tendency to “preach” rather than “partner.” “What we are seeing with the India-Nordic relationship is exactly what your minister pointed out—we are building partnerships, not hierarchies,” Jakobsdóttir stated.
India recently signed a historic free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland—marking its first such pact with European nations. Jakobsdóttir led Iceland through these negotiations during her tenure as prime minister.
While in Delhi, the former Icelandic leader also commented on geopolitical shifts in the Arctic, particularly in Greenland, a territory of Denmark that has attracted increased interest from the United States. She responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about potentially acquiring the island, firmly stating, “Greenland is not a commodity to be bought or sold.”
Jakobsdóttir noted that the Arctic’s changing climate has global ramifications, including potential effects on India’s water cycle and agricultural stability. “Changes in the Arctic could impact the monsoon patterns, which are vital for Indian agriculture and food production,” she explained, underscoring the interconnectedness of climate challenges.
The Arctic Council, which includes eight member states such as the U.S., Russia, and Nordic nations, has been facing operational hurdles since the onset of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Jakobsdóttir acknowledged the strain this has placed on multilateral cooperation within the council, which includes India as an observer.
As Prime Minister Modi prepares to visit Norway, Croatia, and the Netherlands from May 13 to 17, the Oslo summit is expected to further deepen India’s engagement with Nordic countries on areas ranging from clean energy and digital transformation to Arctic cooperation and sustainable development.
