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.