Unpredictable world needs more cooperation between democracies: Norway PM at India-Nordic Summit
Oslo, May 19
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Tuesday said the 3rd India-Nordic Summit reflects the need for stronger cooperation in an increasingly unpredictable global environment, stressing closer collaboration among democracies on security, economy and international order.
Addressing a joint press meet with leaders of Nordic nations after the summit here, Støre said the meeting underscored shared priorities despite differences in geography, size and history.
"We've had a good meeting and discussions on topics on the international agenda. I think this meeting is a manifestation of what the more unpredictable world really needs - more cooperation and collaboration between democracies that, despite differences in geography and size and history, have a common approach to how we take on the big issues of our times," he said, adding that discussions focused on global security challenges, economic cooperation and emerging geopolitical tensions.
The Norwegian Prime Minister noted that leaders emphasised support for international law and a rule-based global order while also calling for reforms and progress within it, and further highlighted the need for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
"We've had important discussions on global security, economic cooperation and the growing geopolitical challenges that we all face. Nordic countries and India, we have focused on support for international law, a rule-based order that needs also reforms and progress and also emphasising the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and finding a way diplomatically for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East," Støre added.
The leaders also discussed trade, supply chain resilience and energy market stability, with Støre noting efforts to deepen economic ties between India, Nordic countries, the European Union and EFTA partners.
Highlighting global disruptions due to ongoing conflicts, Støre noted challenges in supply chains and energy markets, stating, "In the time marked by wars in Europe and the Middle East and huge challenges in the supply chains and energy markets, we really need to step up our voice and speak out at the right occasions and today has given us a good opportunity to unite around positions we can take forward together in different fora."
The summit brought together leaders from India and the Nordic region to strengthen cooperation across strategic, economic and global governance issues.
The 3rd India-Nordic Summit was held today in Oslo, bringing together leaders from India and the Nordic countries to strengthen cooperation across key global and regional issues.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Acting Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen; Prime Ministers of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, Finland Petteri Orpo, Iceland Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir, and Sweden Ulf Kristersson.
The latest edition of the summit builds on discussions held during the previous two India-Nordic meetings, which took place in Copenhagen in 2022 and Stockholm in 2018.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting summit but I wish there was more concrete outcome on trade and investment. India needs practical partnerships, not just photo ops. The Nordic countries have excellent tech and green energy expertise we could really benefit from.
As someone who follows global diplomacy, this summit shows how multipolar the world has become. India is emerging as a crucial bridge between developed nations and the Global South. The emphasis on rule-based order is key given challenges from autocracies.
Norway PM's comment about "unpredictable world" is spot on. With conflicts in Europe and Middle East, India and Nordic countries can provide stability. But we need to ensure these partnerships translate into real benefits for Indian businesses and students.
Happy to see Modi ji engaging with Nordic leaders. These are responsible nations that respect international law. The focus on Ukraine and West Asia shows India's balanced approach to global conflicts. More such partnerships needed! 🎯
While diplomatic ties are important, I'm more interested in how this helps common Indians. Will it create jobs? Will it make imported goods cheaper? The Nordic countries are leaders in sustainable technology - India should focus on technology transfer agreements.
Nice to see India's global role growing. The Nordic countries have strong social welfare models
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