- Why in news
- On 19 May 2026, PM Modi met Denmark's Acting PM Mette Frederiksen in Oslo, on the sidelines of the 3rd India-Nordic Summit. They reviewed the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.
- What it is
- The India-Nordic Summit brings India's PM together with the leaders of the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, launched in 2020, focuses on climate, environment and green transition cooperation.
- Venue of summit
- The 3rd India-Nordic Summit was held in Oslo, and the Modi-Frederiksen meeting took place on its sidelines.
- Green Strategic Partnership
- The India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership was launched in 2020. It prioritises environment and climate change cooperation and green transition.
- Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers
- The SLCR in Varanasi is a tripartite initiative of the Government of India, IIT-BHU and the Government of Denmark.
- Denmark at UNSC
- Denmark is currently serving a term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, for which Modi conveyed good wishes.
- Investment invitation
- Modi invited Danish companies to set up presence in GIFT City, Gujarat.
Don’t confuse with Nordic countries vs Scandinavia: The Nordic group has five countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Scandinavia strictly means Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.
Why it matters
- Nordic states offer green technology, innovation and investment that suit India's climate and growth goals.
- Denmark's UNSC seat gives India a partner for multilateral issues.
Problems
- Trade and investment flows with the Nordic region remain modest compared with their potential.
Way forward
- Turn partnership agendas into projects in clean energy, water, and AI, and attract investment through GIFT City.
Put in your answer
Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers, Varanasi: Example of an India-Denmark tripartite initiative on river water cooperation.
India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership (2020): Example of a thematic strategic partnership focused on climate and green transition.
- 2022Mains GS2 · Q20Describe India's changing climate policy in international fora geopolitically.
- 2018Mains GS1 · Q5Why is India interested in Arctic region resources?
- 2021Mains GS3 · Q17Describe COP26 outcomes and India's commitments made there.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Third summit of a lasting India-Nordic format, with side meetings; a card is useful, but few firm facts for a question.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.