India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, is in Iceland to boost India-Nordic relations. On Friday, he delivered the opening speech at the 2nd India–Nordic Track 1.5 Dialogue in Reykjavik, expressing optimism that this event will spark new ideas and open new opportunities for cooperation between India and Nordic countries like Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
Singh shared the stage with Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, the former President of Iceland, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties. He posted on social media that, “This Dialogue will help create fresh ideas and broaden horizons for India’s engagement with Nordic nations.”
Earlier, Singh attended a special reception for the dialogue alongside Iceland’s Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir. During his visit, he also met with senior officials, scholars, and think tank leaders from the Nordic region to discuss how to deepen collaboration.
One of Singh’s visits was to the Indian Embassy in Reykjavik, where he reviewed ongoing efforts in three key areas: trade, tourism, and technology—referred to as the ‘3 Ts’. He talked about ideas to promote more bilateral trade, encourage tourism, and advance technological partnerships.
On Thursday, Singh met with Iceland’s Foreign Minister Gunnarsdottir to review progress in various sectors, including renewable energy like geothermal power, fisheries, and investment. He expressed India’s interest in working closely with Iceland to strengthen these areas of mutual benefit.
Singh also praised Iceland’s strong support for India, especially after condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 deaths. India appreciates Iceland’s stand against terrorism and its commitment to peace.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs says this trip will help deepen bilateral ties and improve cooperation between Indian and Nordic research communities and strategic partners. Overall, Singh’s visit is seen as a step forward in building stronger partnerships between India and the Nordic region.
