India’s Nordic Outreach: A Strategic Partnership

शक्तिः सहकारेण वर्धते, धर्मस्य पालनम् भवति विजयो यत्र |

“Strength grows through cooperation, and where righteousness is upheld, there lies victory.”

In recent years, the global balance of power has seen significant shifts, particularly as nations recalibrate their foreign policies in response to China’s assertive global stance. The Nordic-5—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland—once enjoyed a relationship with China that was largely characterized by economic cooperation and cultural exchange. However, as China’s international behavior has become more aggressive, these nations have grown wary of Beijing’s power games. This shift has opened the door for India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to strengthen its ties with the Nordic countries, providing a counterbalance to China’s influence.

India’s approach to international relations, marked by its democratic principles, economic potential, and strategic autonomy, has made it an attractive partner for the Nordic nations. As India continues to rise as a global power, its outreach to the Nordic region has evolved into a strategic partnership that holds significant promise for both sides. China’s relationship with the Nordic countries has traditionally been based on economic engagement. The Nordic region, known for its strong economies, innovation, and sustainable practices, offered China opportunities to invest in high-tech industries and acquire advanced technologies. In return, China provided a vast market for Nordic exports. However, as China’s global ambitions have expanded, its behavior has become increasingly assertive, causing concern among the Nordic nations.

Beijing’s aggressive tactics, including its handling of the Hong Kong situation, human rights violations in Xinjiang, and assertive posturing in the South China Sea, have strained its relations with many countries, including those in the Nordic region. The situation has been exacerbated by China’s use of economic coercion and influence operations, which have been perceived as attempts to undermine democratic institutions and values. As a result, the once-flourishing relationship between China and the Nordic countries has soured, leading to a reassessment of their ties with Beijing. In response to China’s behavior, the Nordic countries have begun to re-evaluate their engagement with Beijing. While they still value economic cooperation with China, there is a growing recognition of the risks associated with over-reliance on Chinese investments and technology. This has led to a strategic shift, with the Nordic-5 seeking to diversify their partnerships and reduce their dependence on China. The Nordic nations are increasingly looking towards like-minded countries that share their values of democracy, human rights, and rule of law. India, with its stable political system, large economy, and commitment to international norms, has emerged as a natural partner in this regard. The Nordic-5 see India as a counterbalance to China’s influence and a reliable ally in promoting a rules-based international order.

India’s outreach to the Nordic region has developed in parallel with its engagement in the Arctic, a region of growing strategic importance. The Arctic holds significant untapped resources, and as global warming opens up new shipping routes, it has become a focal point for geopolitical competition. The Nordic countries, with their geographical proximity and expertise in Arctic affairs, are key players in this region. India, recognizing the importance of the Arctic, has sought to deepen its engagement with the Nordic-5 as part of its broader Arctic strategy.

India’s strategic partnership with the Nordic-5 is based on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests. The Nordic countries view India as a balancer to China’s presence in the region, and they have been vocal in their support for India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This support is indicative of the strong trust and confidence that the Nordic nations have in India as a responsible global power.

India’s current status as the world’s fifth-largest economy underscores the potential for enhanced trade relations with the Nordic countries. The Nordic nations, with their advanced technologies and expertise in sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and digitalization, can play a pivotal role in supporting India’s economic growth. At the same time, India’s vast market, young population, and burgeoning innovation ecosystem make it an attractive destination for Nordic investments. One notable example of the growing India-Nordic partnership is the work of Briota Technology Aps, a Denmark-based company that has been actively involved in promoting sustainable health models in India. Briota Technology Aps is leveraging its expertise in digital health and innovative solutions to address some of India’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Briota’s approach aligns with India’s broader goals of improving healthcare access and outcomes through the use of technology, developing digital platforms that enable remote monitoring, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans for patients. These solutions are particularly valuable in a country like India, where access to quality healthcare is often limited in rural and underserved areas.

In addition to its work in India, Briota Technology Aps is also contributing to the development of India’s health technology ecosystem. The company is collaborating with Indian startups, research institutions, and healthcare providers to co-create solutions that are tailored to the needs of the Indian market. This collaborative approach not only enhances India’s healthcare capabilities but also strengthens the ties between India and Denmark, further solidifying the India-Nordic partnership. The strategic partnership between India and the Nordic-5 is multidimensional, encompassing areas such as innovation, green technologies, clean energy, climate action, and ocean governance. This partnership is underpinned by a shared commitment to democratic values, pluralism, and a rules-based international order. Innovation and technology are at the heart of the India-Nordic partnership. The Nordic countries are global leaders in innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability and green technologies. India, with its large pool of talented engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs, is well-positioned to collaborate with the Nordic nations in these areas.

One of the key areas of collaboration is in the field of clean energy. The Nordic countries have made significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources, and their expertise can help India achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets. India has set a target of 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, and partnerships with Nordic companies can play a crucial role in achieving this goal. In addition to clean energy, there is also significant potential for collaboration in the areas of digitalization and smart cities. India’s Digital India initiative, which aims to transform the country into a digitally empowered society, offers numerous opportunities for Nordic companies to invest and contribute. The Nordic countries’ experience in developing smart cities can also complement India’s Smart Cities Mission, which seeks to promote sustainable urban development across the country. Another important area of cooperation between India and the Nordic-5 is the blue economy and ocean governance. The Nordic countries, with their extensive coastlines and maritime expertise, have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the blue economy. India, with its vast coastline and dependence on maritime trade, is also keenly interested in promoting sustainable ocean governance.

The India-Nordic partnership in this area can focus on sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and the development of maritime infrastructure. By working together, India and the Nordic-5 can promote sustainable practices in the blue economy, ensuring the long-term health of the world’s oceans and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on them. Climate change is a global challenge that requires coordinated action from all countries. The Nordic countries have been at the forefront of climate action, setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. India, as one of the world’s largest economies and a major emitter of greenhouse gases, has a crucial role to play in addressing climate change.

The India-Nordic partnership offers a platform for collaboration on green technologies and climate action. By combining India’s scale and innovation with the Nordic countries’ expertise in sustainability, the two sides can develop solutions that contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. This collaboration can also support India’s own climate goals, including its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The growing partnership between India and the Nordic-5 is also an important factor in promoting multilateral cooperation. Both India and the Nordic countries are strong proponents of a rules-based international order and have expressed their commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of multilateral institutions. The strategic partnership between India and the Nordic-5 represents a significant opportunity for both sides to address common challenges and promote shared interests. As China’s influence in the Nordic region wanes, India’s engagement with the Nordic countries is poised to deepen, offering a counterbalance to China’s assertive behavior.  As India and the Nordic-5 continue to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape, their strategic partnership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of international relations. Together, they can build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.