Oslo, Norway — At the 3rd India‑Nordic Summit on May 19, leaders from India and the five Nordic countries announced eight major outcomes to strengthen cooperation across green technology, trade, climate action, Arctic science and defence.
The summit elevated India‑Nordic relations into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. The new partnership targets closer collaboration in the blue and circular economies, digital infrastructure, climate action, energy security, water management and education.
Leaders agreed to use forthcoming trade frameworks — including the proposed India‑EU Free Trade Agreement and the India‑EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) — to deepen trade, investment and technology ties. The agreements aim to spur sustainable economic growth, reinforce supply‑chain resilience and expand circular and bioeconomy sectors. EFTA countries have signalled intentions to invest about USD 100 billion in India, expected to support job creation and market expansion.
Climate and clean‑tech cooperation was highlighted as a central pillar. India and the Nordic states committed to developing scalable, investible climate solutions that leverage innovation, promote sustainable lifestyles and accelerate renewable energy and low‑emission technologies. The initiative will align with India’s Mission LiFE to advance circular‑economy practices.
Arctic research and environmental study received renewed focus, with both sides agreeing to deepen joint polar research and climate studies. The partnership will support collaborative research projects and knowledge sharing on Arctic changes and their global impacts.
In science and technology, the countries launched joint research programmes in priority STEM areas. Plans include stronger links between startups and incubators and cooperative research on next‑generation communications such as 6G.
Cooperation in the blue economy will extend to sustainable ship recycling, maritime security and Indo‑Pacific engagement. These efforts will be pursued through bilateral Maritime Security Dialogues and the Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative, in line with India’s MAHASAGAR vision.
Mobility of talent was another outcome: measures to facilitate easier movement for students, academics, researchers and professionals between India and the Nordic nations.
Defence industrial collaboration was strengthened as Nordic defence firms were invited to explore investments in India’s defence industrial corridors, where select sectors allow 100 percent foreign direct investment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the summit results, saying India will continue working with the Nordic countries to expand trade and investment, foster sustainable growth and innovation, tackle climate challenges and cooperate on Arctic issues.
The meeting brought together leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and India and builds on prior India‑Nordic dialogues held in Copenhagen (2022) and Stockholm (2018). (Content sourced from a syndicated news feed.)
