Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on Norway tour. He is participating in the third India-Nordic Summit. He will visit the Netherlands, Sweden and other Nordic countries. This meeting is also special for India because America is now very limited to Indian products, the country is now eyeing Europe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to increase partnership with Europe. Europe can prove to be a better market for India. A free trade agreement was signed with India and the European Union in the beginning of the year, now India wants its further expansion. It is clear from America’s recent stance that India can no longer depend only on America for trade.
It is also a compulsion for India to go towards Europe and Nordic countries. US President Donald Trump has ended friendly relations with India and imposed several tariffs on India one after the other and made irresponsible statements against India, after which relations are not looking the same as before.
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When is India Nordic Conference starting?
India-Nordic summit has already taken place in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022. Leaders from India, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland are participating in this conference. India is emphasizing on cooperation with these countries in renewable energy, defense cooperation, marine infrastructure, clean energy and Arctic sector.
How much is trade with the Nordic countries?
In the year 2024, trade in goods and services between India and Nordic countries will reach $19 billion. India exported $9.4 billion and imported $9.6 billion. More than 700 Nordic companies operate in India. 150 Indian companies are present in the Nordic countries.
Why is India watching with hope?
A free trade agreement has been signed between India and EU. The agreement is sure to have an impact on business. Trade is expected to increase due to the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which came into force from October 1, 2025.
Why is it India’s compulsion to have better relations with Nordic countries?
India needs a bigger market. A market where products get fair prices and there is no fear of American threats. Nordic countries are such options for India. India wants technology from these countries in the environment, AI, blue economy, shipbuilding and defense sectors. In return, India is also ready to share its technological strengths with them.
From poles to space, these countries will cooperate with India
India is building its first indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV). Garden Reach Shipbuilders has signed an agreement with Norwegian company Kongsberg. This ship will be ready by 2029-30 and costs around Rs 2,329 crore. This will make it easier for India to do research in both the Arctic and Antarctic. India has already received help from Sweden’s KS Range Space Center in Chandrayaan-3 and other missions. India is also considering this important for itself.
Nordic countries have a wealth of minerals
The Nordic countries are rich in natural treasures. India has increased its presence here in 10 years. India has been active in the Arctic region since 2008. There is Himadri Research Station here. India has its own Arctic policy. These countries are important partners of India. Nordic countries specialize in building ice-breaking ships, generating renewable energy and polar research. There are rare minerals here, which can also meet the strategic needs of India. Icebreaker technology comes from Finland, Greenland has rare minerals, Sweden has better space infrastructure, Norway is a master of ship designing. India gets all-round benefits by coming together with these countries.
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What is expected from the clean energy sector?
Iceland leads the world in geothermal energy and carbon capture. India wants to utilize its environmental capabilities. Norway has excellent plans for the oceans and technical expertise against pollution. These companies, which have the potential to invest more than $2 trillion, have been invited to enter the Indian market. These investments can prove to be revolutionary in India’s clean energy, hydrogen and offshore wind projects.
What does the Defense Department expect?
India can increase defense cooperation with these countries under Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO). India still needs to improve its anti-submarine warfare. India also wants to take advantage of the expertise of Nordic countries in cold weather logistics and maritime surveillance. India expects big help in this sector also.
Will these countries make India self-reliant in shipbuilding?
India wants to join the top 10 shipbuilding countries of the world by 2030. For this, it has been recommended to increase partnerships with companies from Denmark and Finland. Indian shipyards will be helped in developing green shipping technology and building ice-class ships. India is still dependent on foreign ships for its LNG and LPG imports. When difficulties increased in the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, its danger became clearly visible. Now, collaboration with Nordic countries can help India build its own indigenous LNG carrier ships.
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