Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 19 May called for a stronger rules-based global order alongside Nordic leaders at the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, stressing that shared democratic values and multilateralism make India and the Nordic nations natural partners. The summit, hosted by Norway, brought together leaders of the five Nordic countries for wide-ranging talks on clean energy, emerging technologies, and global peace.

Key Developments at the Oslo Summit

Addressing a joint press conference after the summit, Modi underscored a unified stance on terrorism, stating: 'We have clear and united stand on terrorism — no compromise, no double standards.' He also affirmed support for peaceful resolution of ongoing conflicts, adding: 'Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support the earliest resolution of conflicts and efforts towards peace.'

The leaders agreed that reform of multilateral institutions is 'both necessary and urgent,' signalling coordinated pressure on bodies such as the United Nations to adapt to contemporary geopolitical realities.

Trade and Investment: A Decade of Growth

Modi highlighted a dramatic deepening of economic ties over the past decade. Bilateral trade between India and the Nordic bloc has grown nearly four times in 10 years, while Nordic investment into India has surged by almost 200 per cent over the same period. Investment funds from Nordic countries are increasingly becoming key partners in India's growth story, he said, adding that the expanding economic relationship has also generated thousands of jobs in Nordic economies.

'The rapidly growing trade and investment have not only contributed to India's growth story, but have also played a very positive role in the economies of the Nordic countries and created thousands of new jobs,' Modi said.

Democracy, Sustainability, and Technology at the Core

Modi noted that the India-Nordic format was established eight years ago precisely to accelerate bilateral relations. Discussions at this edition focused on sustainability, innovation, clean energy, and emerging technologies. He described the shared commitment to democracy, rule of law, and human-centric development as the bedrock of the partnership.

Notably, this is the third such summit since the format's inception, reflecting the growing institutionalisation of India's engagement with the Nordic region — a grouping that collectively punches above its weight in green technology, maritime expertise, and sovereign wealth.

What PM Modi Posted on X

After the summit, Modi shared his assessment directly on social media platform X, writing: 'Participated in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, which reflected the growing depth and dynamism of India's partnership with the Nordic region. Our discussions focused on several aspects, including sustainability, innovation, clean energy, emerging technologies and strengthening cooperation for a peaceful and prosperous future.' He added: 'India and the Nordic countries are united by shared democratic values, trust and a common commitment towards human-centric development.'

What Comes Next

With the summit concluding in Oslo, attention will shift to whether the broad commitments on multilateral reform and clean-energy cooperation translate into concrete bilateral agreements. The 200 per cent rise in Nordic investment into India over a decade suggests institutional momentum is building, but analysts note that geopolitical headwinds — from supply-chain fragmentation to shifting US trade policy — could test the durability of these partnerships.