SYLLABUS
GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Context: India and the five Nordic countries, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark, held the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo to deepen cooperation in green technology, innovation, trade, sustainability, and global governance.
About the India-Nordic Summit
• The India-Nordic Summit is a high-level plurilateral platform between India and the five Nordic nations — Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark.
• The first summit was held in Stockholm in 2018, the second in Copenhagen in 2022 and the third in Oslo (Norway) in 2026.
• Finland will host the next India-Nordic Summit.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
• Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership: India-Nordic relations were elevated to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.
- The partnership aims to deepen cooperation in clean and green technologies, e-mobility, circular economy and sustainable industrial growth.
• Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation: Nordic countries are committed to leveraging the India-EFTA TEPA framework.
- India offered 100% FDI opportunities for Nordic defence firms in defence industrial corridors and invited greater investment in shipbuilding, clean energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- The leaders emphasized stronger trade, investment, and resilient supply-chain linkages through the India-EU FTA and India-EFTA TEPA frameworks.
• Sector-Specific Cooperation
- Iceland: geothermal energy and fisheries
- Norway: blue economy, shipping and Arctic affairs
- Sweden: advanced manufacturing and defence innovation
- Finland: AI, telecom, digitalisation and 5G/6G technologies
- Denmark: cybersecurity and health technologies
• Strategic and Global Issues: The leaders reaffirmed support for a rules-based global order, multilateralism and comprehensive reform of global institutions, including expansion of the UN Security Council.
- Nordic countries reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.
- India and Nordic nations condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed to strengthen cooperation against terror financing and cross-border terrorism.
- Leaders also exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in West Asia, emphasizing peaceful resolution of conflicts.
• Arctic and Blue Economy Cooperation: Arctic cooperation emerged as an important agenda area, including polar research, climate studies, and sustainable Arctic governance.
- Discussions focused on strengthening India’s Arctic engagement through scientific initiatives such as Himadri and IndARC.
- Both sides also agreed to expand blue economy cooperation through maritime solutions, port modernisation and India’s SAGARMALA and MAHASAGAR initiatives.
• Research, Innovation and Talent Mobility: India and Nordic countries agreed to strengthen collaboration among universities, research institutions, laboratories and startup ecosystems.
- The leaders emphasized cooperation in STEM research, innovation, skill development and mobility of students and professionals.
- India and Finland also announced joint hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar.
