In a key diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Oslo on May 15–16, 2025, for the third India-Nordic Summit—an event underscoring India’s growing engagement with Northern Europe in a rapidly changing global landscape.
From Quiet Ties to Strategic Partnerships
India’s relationship with the Nordic bloc—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—has evolved from historical goodwill to dynamic cooperation. While trade and political connections existed for decades, it wasn’t until Modi’s tenure that ties took a strategic turn. The first summit in Stockholm in 2018 marked India’s entry into a structured engagement with all five Nordic nations, and the momentum carried through Copenhagen in 2022.
Today, these summits go beyond diplomacy. They’re driving collaboration in innovation, clean energy, digitalization, maritime security, and sustainable infrastructure—all aligned with India’s national development goals and global ambitions.
Green Tech, Smart Cities, and the Bank Rally of Investments
India is actively tapping into the Nordics’ expertise in renewable energy, smart cities, and green technologies. Over 260 Swedish firms now operate in India, while Indian tech companies have expanded their presence in the region. Key initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and the Smart Cities Mission resonate strongly with the Nordics’ innovation-led economies.
The recent Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the EFTA, which includes Iceland and Norway, aims to unlock $100 billion in investment and create one million jobs—setting the stage for what could be a significant “bank rally” in economic collaboration.
| Nordic Country | India Trade Volume (2022-23) |
|---|---|
| Sweden | $2.69 billion |
| Finland | $2.02 billion |
| Denmark | $1.68 billion |
| Norway | $1.51 billion |
Arctic Aspirations and Global Market Trends
India’s interest in the Arctic—driven by energy security, climate research, and strategic waterways—is another emerging area of cooperation. With Norway and Sweden playing leading roles in Arctic governance, partnerships here could give India an edge in a region gaining global significance. The 2022 Arctic Policy set the stage for expanded collaboration, including India’s own research station in Svalbard and sensor observatories in the Arctic Ocean.
Meanwhile, shifting market trends—particularly concerns around China and global supply chain resilience—make the Nordics and India natural partners. Shared democratic values and a common vision for a rule-based global order are fueling this pivot.
As PM Modi heads to Oslo, the India-Nordic Summit promises more than diplomatic optics. It offers a real opportunity to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors like AI, electric aviation, green hydrogen, and 6G—areas where both sides are eager to lead. With strong political will and the right economic frameworks in place, this partnership could set a new benchmark in strategic global cooperation.