Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described India as one of the world’s greatest powers during the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, highlighting cooperation on global stability, trade, diplomacy, climate action, innovation, and security amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and strengthening India-Europe relations.
India’s growing global influence received strong recognition from Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during the third India-Nordic Summit held in Oslo on Tuesday, where leaders from Nordic nations praised New Delhi’s expanding role in global diplomacy, economic cooperation, security, and climate action.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from Nordic countries, Frederiksen described India as “one of the greatest powers” in the world and stressed that cooperation between India and Nordic nations could help deliver stability and prosperity during a period of global uncertainty.
Frederiksen noted that discussions around cooperation among middle powers have become increasingly important in international politics. However, she said India could no longer be viewed merely as a middle power because of its growing economic strength, geopolitical influence, and international presence.
“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 during the summit.
She further explained that while individual Nordic countries may be small in size, their unity gives them greater influence internationally. According to her, collaboration between the Nordic bloc and India could become a stabilising force in a rapidly changing global environment.
The India-Nordic Summit brought together leaders from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and India to discuss cooperation on trade, security, sustainability, technology, innovation, and global peace efforts.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the summit focused heavily on strengthening international law and preserving a rules-based global order while recognising the need for reforms in multilateral institutions.
Store also highlighted discussions surrounding the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. He stressed the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and called for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
The Norwegian leader stated that the participating nations also reviewed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation following recent free trade agreements involving India, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and ongoing negotiations with the European Union.
“We have discussed security, trade, and how to deepen our economic relations after we all have now free trade deals between EFTA countries and India and the European Union and India,” Store said.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson thanked Prime Minister Modi for maintaining close cooperation with Nordic nations both bilaterally and through the regional framework. He expressed confidence that a future India-European Union free trade agreement would generate major economic opportunities for both sides.
Kristersson said there is significant scope for expanding partnerships in innovation, investments, diplomacy, and defence cooperation between India and Europe.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also underlined the growing momentum in India-Finland relations. Recalling his recent visit to India along with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Orpo highlighted shared priorities such as digitalisation, sustainability, climate action, and strengthening the international rules-based order.
He said Finland and India had recently established a strategic partnership focused on digital transformation and sustainable development, adding that Helsinki was committed to converting those agreements into practical outcomes.
Iceland Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir described the summit as highly significant at a time when countries across the world are searching for stronger international partnerships.
Frostadottir pointed out that despite geographical distance and differences in scale, India and Nordic countries are closely connected through shared interests, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable development. She highlighted Iceland’s expertise in geothermal energy and renewable technologies as areas where cooperation with India could grow further.
The Icelandic Prime Minister also drew attention with her appreciation for the Hindi word “sambandh,” meaning relationship or connection. She remarked that the modern world requires more such relationships based on trust, cooperation, and shared values.
The summit reflected India’s increasing importance in global affairs as European nations continue strengthening strategic partnerships with New Delhi amid shifting geopolitical realities. Discussions during the meeting covered trade expansion, technological innovation, climate cooperation, energy security, defence collaboration, and support for international peace initiatives.
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With India emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and an influential diplomatic force, the India-Nordic Summit showcased how European countries are seeking deeper engagement with New Delhi to address global challenges collectively.
The strong endorsement from Nordic leaders, especially Denmark’s recognition of India as one of the world’s greatest powers, highlighted the growing international acknowledgment of India’s expanding role in shaping the future global order.
