Patiala (Punjab), Jan 21 (NationPress) As the President of the United States intensifies his rhetoric regarding Greenland, some European nations, including Denmark, are pushing back against what they perceive as his ‘expansionist’ ambitions. An Indian Army veteran with a solid grasp of geopolitical dynamics remarked that Trump's adventurous approach to claiming full control over the island will not be straightforward.

Retired Brigadier Advitya Madan stated in an interview with IANS that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) could face severe consequences if any member nation were to attack another. He pointed out that the United States is already experiencing significant resistance.

Madan noted a planned joint exercise involving troops from eight European nations in Greenland, describing it as a significant move in this context.

He elaborated, “The recent incident involves eight nations - Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany. These nations have dispatched their troops under the guise of an exercise, which is fundamentally a message to the US regarding Greenland. If you intend to conduct a military operation there, it will not be easy. The NATO alliance of 32 countries could be jeopardized as the US, a leading member, would be attacking another NATO ally, leading to serious repercussions.”

“All 32 NATO nations have historically relied on the US for leadership, command, and military supplies. This raises questions about where they will source their defense equipment in the future,” he added. He further highlighted that a long-standing security agreement between the US and Denmark, dating back to 1951, allows for an increase in US military presence in Greenland if it faces threats.

Madan emphasized that the US does not currently face any threats from Russia or China regarding Greenland, suggesting that Trump’s interests lie primarily in acquiring Greenland's rare earth elements, rare magnets, and hydrocarbons. He recalled Trump's previous interest in purchasing Greenland.

“It’s important to note that there is no formal threat from Russia or China. They have not indicated intentions to attack Greenland. Much like Trump’s motives in Venezuela, which revolved around oil—despite their limited refinement capacity—the US has its own refineries. Similarly, no threats are posed to the US in Greenland; Trump is primarily focused on the valuable resources available there. In 2021, Trump stated that as a businessman, he views Greenland on the map and wants to acquire it,” he remarked.

On January 18, eight European nations—Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK—expressed that tariff threats could undermine transatlantic relations and lead to a perilous downward spiral.

A joint statement from these countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing Arctic security as a collective transatlantic interest while pledging support for the people of Greenland.

In their joint declaration, the eight nations asserted, “As NATO members, we remain dedicated to bolstering Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The prearranged Danish exercise, ‘Arctic Endurance’, conducted with Allies, addresses this necessity and poses no threat to anyone. We express our full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland.”

“We are prepared to engage in dialogue rooted in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tariff threats are detrimental to transatlantic relations and could initiate a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to present a united front in our response, committed to upholding our sovereignty,” it added.

Greenland, recognized as the world’s largest island, operates as a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining authority over defense and foreign policy.