OSLO, Norway — May 20, 2026
India received significant international diplomatic support against terrorism during the third India-Nordic Summit held in Oslo, where Nordic nations jointly condemned the 2025 terror attacks in Pahalgam and near Delhi’s Red Fort.
In a joint statement released Tuesday, India and the Nordic countries delivered a unified message against terrorism, violent extremism, and cross-border terror activities, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening international cooperation on global security challenges.
The summit brought together leaders and representatives from India and key Nordic nations including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
Nordic Countries Condemn Pahalgam and Red Fort Attacks
According to the joint statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Nordic countries strongly condemned the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam and the November 10, 2025 blast near the Red Fort in New Delhi.
The statement emphasized that terrorism and violent extremism in all forms remain unacceptable and called for stronger global cooperation under international law to combat emerging security threats.
Leaders participating in the summit also reiterated the importance of collective international action against cross-border terrorism and extremist networks operating through financial and technological channels.
Focus on Blocking Terror Funding and Misuse of Technology
A major focus of the summit discussions was strengthening efforts to eliminate terror financing and disrupt financial support systems used by extremist groups.
India and the Nordic nations agreed to deepen cooperation on anti-money laundering measures, intelligence sharing, and monitoring the misuse of emerging technologies by terrorist organizations.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working through international platforms such as the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force to tighten controls on terror funding networks worldwide.
India and Nordic Nations Expand Blue Economy Cooperation
Beyond security issues, the summit also focused heavily on economic collaboration and sustainable development initiatives.
Leaders emphasized stronger cooperation in the “sustainable blue economy,” a sector covering maritime industries, ocean-based trade, fisheries, clean shipping, and coastal economic development.
Officials stated that closer cooperation in this area could accelerate economic growth, create employment opportunities, improve food security, and strengthen global maritime sustainability.
India and the Nordic countries also agreed to support technological collaboration aimed at transforming the shipping industry into a lower-carbon and environmentally sustainable sector.
Push for Green Ship Recycling and Climate Cooperation
The summit discussions included plans to expand partnerships between shipowners, shipyards, and maritime industries across India and the Nordic region.
Both sides expressed support for implementing the Hong Kong International Convention to ensure environmentally safe and sustainable ship recycling practices.
Leaders additionally pledged closer cooperation in addressing global challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.
Defense Cooperation and Investment Opportunities Gain Momentum
Defense cooperation emerged as another major pillar of the summit discussions, with leaders welcoming growing strategic engagement between India and Nordic countries in military and defense industries.
Officials discussed expanding collaboration between defense manufacturers and strengthening supply chains for critical military equipment and technology.
India also invited Nordic defense companies to invest in India’s growing defense manufacturing sector, highlighting opportunities available within the country’s expanding defense industrial corridors.
The Indian government’s policy allowing up to 100% foreign direct investment in the defense sector was presented as a major opportunity for international companies seeking to manufacture advanced military equipment in India.
Diplomatic analysts view the summit as an important step in India’s effort to strengthen strategic partnerships with Europe while building broader international support on security and counterterrorism issues.
