English Translation of Prime Minister's Press Statement during the Joint Press Statement at the 3rd India-Nordic Summit (May 19, 2026)

Leaders and delegates from all the Nordic countries,
Friends from the media,
My greetings to all of you!

I am very pleased to participate in the third India-Nordic Summit today. First of all, I sincerely thank the Prime Minister of Norway for hosting this summit. I also warmly welcome all the Nordic leaders present here.

Our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism makes us natural partners. At the same time, our shared priorities in technology and sustainability fill our relationship with immense opportunities. That is why, eight years ago, we established this format to bring greater energy and momentum to our relations with the Nordic countries.

Friends,

I am very pleased that, over the past few years, we have achieved significant progress in our relations. In the last ten years, our bilateral trade has increased nearly fourfold.

Investment funds from the Nordic countries are also becoming important partners in India's rapid growth journey. Over the past decade, investments from the Nordic countries into India have grown by nearly 200 percent.

The rapidly growing trade and investment have not only contributed to India's growth story, but have also played a highly positive role in the economies of the Nordic countries and created thousands of new jobs. Building upon this strong foundation, we have recently undertaken several important initiatives to take our relationship to the next level.

Friends,

Since October 2025, we have implemented the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with Norway, Iceland, and the other European Free Trade Association countries. And just a few months ago, we concluded the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, in which Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also partners. Through these ambitious trade agreements, we are ushering in a new golden era in the relations between India and the Nordic countries.

Friends,

Today, we have decided to shape India-Nordic relations into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. Through this Green Technology Partnership, we will combine Iceland's expertise in geothermal energy and fisheries, Norway's strengths in the blue economy and the Arctic, and the maritime and sustainability expertise of all the Nordic countries with India's scale, in order to secure a better future for the entire world.

And through the formation of this unique strategic partnership between us, we will combine Sweden's advanced manufacturing and defence capabilities, Finland's expertise in telecommunications and digital technology, and Denmark's strengths in cybersecurity and health-tech with India's talent pool, in order to develop trusted solutions for the world.

Friends,

An important pillar of the India-Nordic partnership is also our extensive research and innovation ties. To strengthen these further, we will work together to enhance linkages between universities, laboratories, and startup ecosystems. We will deepen our cooperation in Arctic and polar research. We will also create new opportunities for skill development and talent mobility between India and the Nordic countries.

Friends,

Today, all of us also exchanged views on global issues. In this period of global tensions and conflicts, India and the Nordic countries will continue to work together to strengthen a rules-based global order. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts aimed at the early end of conflicts and the restoration of peace.

We are in agreement that the reform of multilateral institutions is both necessary and urgent. And on terrorism as well, our stand is clear and united - no compromise, and no double standards.

Your Excellencies,

Although we all speak different languages, sometimes even a single word is enough to reflect our natural partnership. Today, I used the word "Sambandh" several times. In many Nordic languages, the word "Sambandh" signifies connection, relations, or a bond. In Hindi too, "Sambandh" carries the very same meaning.

This is not merely a similarity of words, it reflects the closeness of our thinking. Let us further deepen the bonds between us in every field, and make the India-Nordic partnership a model of shared prosperity, innovation, and a sustainable future.

Thank you very much.

Oslo
May 19, 2026