Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised India’s growing global influence on Tuesday, describing the country as “one of the greatest powers” during the third India-Nordic Summit held in Oslo alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from Nordic nations.

Addressing a joint press conference after the summit, Frederiksen emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between India and Nordic countries at a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty and global instability.

“There is this idea growing right now that the middle powers in the world should act together, stick together, and work together. We cannot say that India is a middle power. You are one of the biggest powers,” Frederiksen said.

She noted that while individual Nordic nations may be small in size, they become a significant force when united. According to her, collaboration between India and Nordic countries can contribute toward greater global stability, prosperity and unity during a period marked by conflict and rapid geopolitical shifts.

The summit brought together leaders from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland to discuss cooperation with India in areas including trade, sustainability, innovation, security, technology and climate action.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said discussions focused heavily on supporting international law and strengthening a rules-based global order. Leaders also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, stressing the importance of diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Store further highlighted opportunities for expanding economic ties following recent free trade agreements involving India, the European Union and European Free Trade Association countries.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson thanked PM Modi for strengthening bilateral and Nordic cooperation with India and expressed optimism about the benefits of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. He also pointed to future collaboration in investments, defence, diplomacy and innovation.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo highlighted growing momentum in India-Finland relations and referred to recent agreements on digitalisation and sustainability. He said Finland remains committed to turning strategic partnerships with India into concrete action.

Iceland Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir described the summit as timely and significant, noting that despite geographical distance, India and Nordic nations are connected through shared priorities and mutual cooperation. She also praised India’s concept of “sambandh,” saying the world today needs stronger human and diplomatic relationships.

The India-Nordic Summit has emerged as an important platform for expanding cooperation between India and Nordic nations across green technology, clean energy, trade, innovation, Arctic research and sustainable development.