Latest news with #ArcticCircleIndiaForum
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First Post
06-05-2025
- Science
- First Post
A wake-up call from the Arctic: What Iceland's ex-PM wants the world to learn from the melting North
As Arctic temperatures rise faster than anywhere on Earth, former Iceland Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir tells Firstpost why the world can no longer afford to sideline climate change. From monsoons in India to displacement worldwide, she warns of cascading impacts — and urges urgent multilateral action in the face of deteriorating global ties read more Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland reacts during a session of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, India. X/_Arctic_Circle As the Arctic thaws at an alarming pace, its impact is rippling far beyond the polar circle, affecting everything from the monsoon in India to global food and water security. For Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland and a senior emissary for the Arctic Circle, this crisis is deeply personal, immediate and global. 'Yes, we see the ice is melting, we see the Icelandic glaciers melting, but we are also very acutely aware of the changes that are happening in the Arctic, which are happening a lot faster than many other places in the world,' she told Firstpost's Anmol Singla in an exclusive conversation on the sidelines of the recent Arctic Circle India Forum held in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We call it the Arctic amplification. And the problem is that this is not only affecting us who live in the Arctic or in the sub-Arctic like Iceland, but also the rest of the world.' The science backs her concern. Arctic amplification refers to the phenomenon where the Arctic is warming at more than twice the global average due to loss of sea ice and increased heat absorption. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, Arctic temperatures have risen by nearly 3°C since the pre-industrial era. This rapid warming disrupts jet streams and ocean currents, thereby triggering extreme weather events worldwide. 'We have been seeing remarkable evidence here at this forum, how actually climate change in the Arctic can affect glaciers in the Himalaya, the monsoon here in India, etc. So there is a real urgency in positive climate action,' Jakobsdóttir added. 'We should do whatever we can to stop the global warming that we're seeing. It's happening quite fast now.' Are we at the tipping point? Despite the pace of change, Jakobsdóttir believes the worst can still be avoided. 'No, I don't think we have reached that point, but things have been happening very fast and climate action has not been fast enough,' she said. The former Icelandic PM expressed concern over the wavering stance of the United States, a major global polluter and influencer, on climate accords. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The US is such an important partner when it comes to climate. So, you know, the uncertainty about their participation in the agreement is definitely not a good thing,' she remarked, alluding to the US's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the Trump administration and the global unease about its future climate commitments. Jakobsdóttir acknowledged that international climate forums are often criticised for their slow pace. 'Of course, you can criticise international collaboration for a lot of things. And I understand that. But we should not deny them,' she said. 'Multilateral collaboration has actually delivered a lot of positive results and progress for the world. Let's think about the ozone layer and how we managed to get a grip on that challenge because of multilateral collaboration.' In anticipation of the COP30 climate summit scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil has undertaken the construction of Avenida Liberdade, a 13.2-kilometre four-lane highway cutting through protected Amazon rainforest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This development, intended to accommodate over 50,000 attendees, has sparked significant controversy. Cascading effects all over the globe Jakobsdóttir stressed the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation. 'We need scientific collaboration. We really need all hands on deck. We need climate mitigation, but also adaptation, because already some changes are happening and that can have a huge effect,' she said. She warned of the cascading effects: 'If climate change in the Arctic affects the monsoon here in India, that might have a severe effect on Indian agriculture and the backbone of the food production.' "We see a growing distrust in science and even denialism when it comes to climate issues. I think policy makers should look to science to make informed decisions and informed policies."#IndiaForum H.E. @katrinjak, Chair, Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue; Former Prime Minister of 🇮🇸 — Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 4, 2025 This linkage is increasingly supported by research. The melting Arctic ice influences the Indian summer monsoon by altering pressure systems and oceanic patterns. In turn, this affects millions of farmers dependent on timely rainfall. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iceland's green model Could Iceland serve as a model for the world? 'We have had the privilege of having a lot of green energy, which we have been using for quite a long time, long before anybody talks about climate change,' said Jakobsdóttir. 'We have the geothermal energy, we have the hydropower.' Indeed, nearly 100 per cent of Iceland's electricity needs are met through renewable sources. The country also hosts pioneering projects in carbon capture and storage (CCS), such as CarbFix, which transforms captured CO2 into rock underground. 'We also need to think about how we can develop new technologies in carbon capturing. That won't solve the problem, but it can be one part of the solution,' she added. The human cost Jakobsdóttir tied the climate crisis directly to public health, human rights, and displacement. 'Climate change is also affecting our health. For example, simply new infectious diseases being spread around the world because of different weather, we're seeing droughts, floods, etc.,' she told Firstpost. 'We have more people being displaced around the world than ever since the Second World War.' This is in line with data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, which reported that climate-related disasters displaced 32.6 million people globally in 2022. Women in climate leadership Highlighting gender equity in climate discussions, she remarked: 'We need more women. If we have a decision-making table where we actually have both men and women, I sincerely believe that we get better decisions.' Jakobsdóttir has been a vocal advocate for gender-inclusive policymaking. Research from the United Nations shows that countries with higher female representation in parliament are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India and the Arctic: An emerging partnership The conversation also touched on India's growing role in Arctic affairs. Jakobsdóttir welcomed this involvement. 'India, you know, it's the largest democracy in the world. It's a growing country. It's a growing economy. So obviously, India will play a very important role on the international stage,' she told Firspost. India has had observer status at the Arctic Council since 2013 and operates the Himadri research station in Svalbard, Norway. Its Arctic Policy, launched in 2022, outlines scientific research, connectivity, and international cooperation as key pillars. 'What happens in the Arctic does not stay there,' she said. 'I understand very well the interest of India and Indian scientists in actually learning more about the Arctic and how we can deal with what's happening and how we can change what's happening.' The Russia question On geopolitics, Jakobsdóttir candidly addressed the tension within the Arctic Council following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'The Russian invasion into Ukraine has been a very challenging and an illegal invasion, a brutal invasion. And that really has limited the work of the Arctic Council for the last few years.' Yet she suggested that India could act as a balancing force: 'It matters a lot, not only to the Arctic, but the whole globe that India takes an active part in issues that are really trans-border issues like climate, gender, etc.' A message from the Arctic Jakobsdóttir concluded with a powerful call to listen to those who live closest to the crisis. 'There are people living in the Arctic, the different Indigenous groups that live around the Arctic. And I think it's very important that we listen to their voices because they are really seeing the change and they have a lot of knowledge and experience that is very valuable for the rest of the world.' Her final warning was a reminder not to lose focus: 'Climate has been a little bit sidelined in the last few years in the international debate, but it hasn't gone away. So, we need to really do everything we can in collaboration to tackle that crisis.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also Read | India's Arctic ambitions: Milind Deora advocates for climate awareness & strategic engagement Firstpost attended the recently concluded Arctic Circle India Forum held in New Delhi, India on May 3-4, 2025. Co-hosted by the Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Earth Sciences, the event brought together global leaders, scientists and policymakers to discuss 'The Polar Order: The Arctic and Asia | Science - Geopolitics - Climate - Business.' Also Watch:
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First Post
05-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
What is the Arctic Council and how is India engaging with it?
At the Arctic Circle India Forum, Norway praised India's growing role in Arctic affairs, spotlighting collaborative research in Svalbard and India's active observer status in the Arctic Council read more An iceberg floats in front of the city of Nuuk as the sun rises, Greenland, February 9, 2025. File Image/Reuters The Arctic Circle India Forum, held in New Delhi on May 3–4, 2025, put a spotlight on India's growing engagement with Arctic affairs. As climate change accelerates and the need for geopolitical collaboration increases, understanding the Arctic Council's structure, achievements and India's role has become increasingly pertinent. What is the Arctic Council Established in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration, the Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic Indigenous Peoples, and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, particularly sustainable development and environmental protection. The Council comprises eight Member States: Canada, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. In addition to these, six organisations representing Arctic Indigenous Peoples have status as Permanent Participants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An image of the Arctic Council Flags from the first SAO meeting during the US 2015-2017 Chairmanship held in Anchorage, Alaska 20-22 October. Image/ArcticCouncil A unique feature of the Arctic Council is its consensus-based decision-making process, ensuring that all Member States and Permanent Participants have a voice in shaping the Council's direction. How the Arctic Council functions The Chairmanship of the Arctic Council rotates every two years among the eight Member States. The country holding the Chairmanship leads the Council's work, sets priorities and hosts meetings. As of 2023, Norway holds the Chairmanship, focusing on promoting stability and constructive cooperation in the Arctic. In 2025, the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is set to assume the Chairmanship. Greenland appointed its first Arctic ambassador last month. Speaking at the event, Kenneth Høegh, Arctic Ambassador, Kingdom of Denmark said, 'The Kingdom consists of 3 countries, but also 3 different governments and different peoples.' "The Kingdom consists of 3 countries, but also 3 different governments and different peoples." "All our Chairship priorities have a focus on #Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledge" @kenneth_egh, Next Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials,@ArcticCouncil #Indiaforum — Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 3, 2025 Høegh's comments come as Greenland has been pushed into the spotlight by United States President Donald Trump who has time and again spoken about 'acquiring' the region. 'The Arctic seas are of great importance to the peoples of the Arctic, including us in Greenland and our Faroese friends,' Høegh said in the opening session of the event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Key achievements of the Arctic Council Over the years, the Arctic Council has facilitated several significant accomplishments. The Council's scientific assessments have contributed to global environmental agreements, such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Council has also negotiated three legally binding agreements among the Arctic States: The Council actively incorporates Indigenous Peoples' traditional knowledge into its work, recognising its value in addressing climate change, environmental pollution and socio-economic challenges. What is India's role in the Arctic Council India was granted Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013, alongside five other nations. As an Observer, India participates in Council meetings and contributes to its work, particularly through scientific research and collaboration. India's engagement in the Arctic is driven by several factors: India's National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) conducts studies on the Arctic's impact on the Indian monsoon and climate patterns. The melting Arctic opens new maritime routes, such as the Northern Sea Route, which could significantly reduce shipping time between Europe and Asia, benefiting India's trade. India advocates for inclusive and cooperative governance in the Arctic, pointing out the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law. Norway praises India's engagement in the Arctic Speaking to Firstpost's Anmol Singla on the sidelines of the event, May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, expressed appreciation for India's active role in the Arctic, 'We appreciate very much India's engagement in the Arctic. They are an active observer and we appreciate that too. We are including India more and more and India wants to be included more and more in the discussion in the Arctic Council.' She highlighted the collaborative efforts during Norway's Chairmanship, 'When we have, as Norway, been chairing the Arctic Council the last two years, we have been also working towards including the observers even more, so that is very much appreciated also that India is active.' Regarding scientific collaboration with India, Stener noted, 'Also at the archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic, that is Norwegian territory, we have a research station very far north there, and we have Indian researchers at the station called Himadri. And they are very active and they're cooperating very much and very closely with our researchers also.' Himadri, India's first permanent Arctic research station, is located in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the high Arctic. Established in July 2008, Himadri marks India's scientific footprint in the region and is managed by NCPOR, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Himadri station during winter season. Image/NCPOR The station serves as a vital base for long-term scientific studies on climate change, atmospheric sciences, and Arctic ecology. Indian researchers at Himadri work in close collaboration with international scientists, including those from Norway. Their work focuses on critical areas such as the impact of Arctic ice melt on global climate systems, particularly the Indian monsoon. 'I think this is crucial for the research on how things are linked in the world. Ice melting in the Arctic is affecting the monsoons here in India. The researchers are doing work on that, and collecting data and also learning more on what we can do about that.' What challenges does the Arctic Council face The Arctic Council faces challenges, particularly geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The seven other Arctic States have had limited cooperation with Russia, leading to uncertainties in the Council's operations. In this context, Stener told Firstpost, 'Well Russia is part of the Arctic council, also a state bordering the Arctic. Norway is also working with Russia on a technical level in the Arctic Council. And India, as an observer, will also be part of the discussions there.' "We welcome the increased global interest we are now seeing, but one principle that has not changed, and should not change, is that all change must be based on international law."#IndiaForum "We have a solid and recognised set of rules." May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of 🇳🇴to🇮🇳 — Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 4, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these challenges, the Council continues to function, with Norway navigating the chairmanship of the Council during especially troubling times. India, along with other Asian Observers, can play a role in promoting dialogue and inclusivity within the Council. The 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly will be held in the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Reykjavík, Iceland, on October 16-18.
Russia Today
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
‘We look for partners not preachers'
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has rebuked European leaders for their hypocritical attitude when it comes to the South Asian nation. 'When we look out at the world, we look for partners, not preachers – particularly preachers who do not practice at home what they preach abroad,' he said at the Arctic Circle India Forum on Sunday. Jaishankar was commenting on Europe's difficulty in achieving 'strategic autonomy,' highlighting the continent's reliance on the US for security, Russia for energy, and China for trade, all of which he implied is being challenged by current global realities. At the forum, the minister spoke of the constraints impacting India's ties with Europe, while acknowledging that New Delhi's relations were better with some nations on the continent and worse with others. In conversation with @ORGrimsson and @samirsaran at the #ArcticCircleIndiaForum2025. @orfonline@_Arctic_Circlehttps:// 'But from our point of view, if we are to develop a partnership, there has to be some understanding, there has to be some sensitivity, there has to be a mutuality of interest and there has to be a realization of how the world works,' Jaishankar said. 'And I think these are all work in progress to differing degrees with different parts of Europe. So some have moved further, some a little bit less.' The Indian Foreign Minister also stated that previous attempts from the West to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict without involving Russia, 'challenged the basics of realism.' In contrast, he said India had a pragmatic approach to its relationship with Russia, which he termed 'Russia realism.' He emphasized that this is based on the strong synergy between India and Russia, noting that they have a mutually beneficial partnership, with Russia serving as a key resource provider and India as a significant consumer. Despite Western concerns, India has strengthened its diplomatic ties with Russia and actually increased its imports of Russian crude oil throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict, demonstrating New Delhi's commitment to an independent foreign policy.
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First Post
05-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
India's Arctic ambitions: Milind Deora advocates for climate awareness & strategic engagement
On the sidelines of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, Firstpost spoke to Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Milind Deora about the need for India to deepen its Arctic engagement. Deora, who is on the advisory board of the Arctic Circle highlighted the urgency for climate awareness and cross-party engagement read more Milind Deora, Rajya Sabha MP, member of the advisory board of the Arctic Circle looks on during a session of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, India. X/milinddeora At the recently concluded Arctic Circle India Forum in New Delhi, a significant spotlight was cast on India's evolving engagement with the Arctic region. The event held on May 3-4, co-hosted by the Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Earth Sciences, brought together global leaders, scientists and policymakers to discuss 'The Polar Order: The Arctic and Asia | Science - Geopolitics - Climate - Business.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the key voices was Milind Deora, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and advisory board member of the Arctic Circle. In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost's Anmol Singla on the sidelines of the event, Deora stressed the imperative for India to deepen its Arctic engagement, both scientifically and geopolitically. 'I've been associated with the Arctic for almost 20 years,' Deora shared. Deora has been a frequent visitor to Iceland and other Arctic nations, engaging with stakeholders who are working on climate resilience-related fields. 'I've been trying to draw India's attention to the vast potential of the Arctic from a research point of view, environmental research point of view, from a geo-economic point of view, and a geopolitical point of view. And it's taken a long time but I feel very pleased and privileged that through a forum like this we've received such overwhelming participation,' he told Firstpost. Deora also said that this was an area where unlike other areas of engagement, the government needed to spearhead a proactive approach rather than the private sector taking the lead. Need to elevate climate awareness in India Deora highlighted the need to elevate Arctic issues within India's domestic discourse. He pointed out the direct implications of Arctic changes on India's climate patterns, particularly the monsoon, which is vital for the country's agriculture and water resources. 'Until these things become political issues, you don't see public support and public participation,' he noted. 'We need to educate the public, bring more awareness, and that's when we'll see a sea change, no pun intended.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a session titled, 'Vision from the Indian Parliament' where Deora along with Lok Sabha MP Anurag Thakur engaged with former Prime Minister of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, chairman of the Arctic Circle — Grímsson mandated both the parliamentarians to lead a cross-party parliamentary delegation to Iceland for the Arctic Assembly later this year. Next up! VISION FROM THE INDIAN PARLIAMENT👀 — Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 3, 2025 There are many questions that link India to the Arctic. An understanding that was established time and again in this forum was that what happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic, and that it has implications all over the globe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Highlighting this, the 48-year-old who hails from Mumbai reflected, 'So for me, one of the challenges has been how do you understand what's happening in the Arctic, whether it's the fact that ice is melting, how is that impacting India's weather patterns? How is that impacting not just the Himalayan region, but how is that impacting a city like Mumbai? What is the correlation between the two? Between ice melting, sea levels rising in Mumbai, what does that do to people who live in buildings or in slums along the coast? And those are the kind of issues that we have to sort of focus on to make it a political issue.' According to a 2024 study by Bengaluru-based think tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), 10 per cent of the land in Mumbai, Panjim and Chennai will be at risk of inundation due to rising sea levels by 2040. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India needs to look to the Arctic more India's Arctic Policy, released in March 2022, outlines six pillars: Science and Research, Climate and Environmental Protection, Economic and Human Development, Transportation and Connectivity, Governance and International Cooperation, and National Capacity Building. As a member of @_Arctic_Circle's Advisory Board, I'm so glad to see the Arctic Circle finally launch its India Forum in partnership with @orfonline. Grateful to former Icelandic President @ORGrimsson for his leadership in bringing India closer to the #Arctic. I joined a panel… — Milind Deora | मिलिंद देवरा (@milinddeora) May 3, 2025 Deora also pointed out the strategic importance of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which could offer shorter shipping lanes between Europe and Asia. 'While the whole world's focus and attention is on the South China Sea, should India not be focused on the Northern Sea Route?' he questioned. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The NSR, also called the Northeast Passage, is a shipping corridor through the Arctic Ocean that links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering a shorter path between Europe and Asia than conventional routes like the Suez or Panama Canals. India as a potential bridge builder India's collaboration with Russia in the Arctic has been a focal point, with joint research initiatives and discussions on developing the NSR. However, geopolitical tensions have complicated multilateral engagements. Following Russia's war in Ukraine, there has been a significant divide between Moscow and the rest of the Arctic nations, all of which are also part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato). Despite these challenges, India continues to advocate for a balanced approach, highlighting dialogue and cooperation. 'I think that's something which is an area of immense opportunity for India to use its leadership role and its multilateral approach towards foreign policy to work with countries during a very hostile time in Europe and to bridge differences, to be in some ways, I wouldn't use the word intermediary, but in some ways a bridge builder and a facilitator of a dialogue. So I think India has a very unique role to play in that," Deora stated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the context of the current diplomatic situation in Europe, Deora told Firstpost, 'It will be unique to see how Arctic nations, given how polarised Europe is vis-à-vis Russia, how they are able to politically sell it to their public that they're willing to engage in dialogue, if not for their borders, at least when it comes to issues like cooperation in the Arctic.' 'We should not forget that during the peak of the Cold War, the US and Russia were able to partner together in Space. So these are things where people can overcome differences.' "Arctic Circle is finally here in India!" "I'm excited for India to bring its track record of #multiculturalism and its role as an important representative and global voice of the #GlobalSouth to the #Arctic." #IndiaForum🌏@milinddeora, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, India — Arctic Circle (@_Arctic_Circle) May 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As India prepares for potential high-level engagements with Nordic countries, including a scheduled visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Oslo, the Arctic is poised to become a significant area of collaboration. Deora expressed confidence that Arctic issues will feature prominently in India's foreign policy agenda. 'I'm very certain that a big part of the thrust from India will be around the Arctic,' he affirmed. India's expanding engagement in the Arctic evidenced at the Arctic Circle India Forum shows that as New Delhi's strategic importance increases on the global stage, developments occurring in all corners of the globe have consequences for the Indian subcontinent — and the importance of the Arctic should be acknowledged by every Indian. Milind Deora, Rajya Sabha MP, member of the advisory board of the Arctic Circle (right) can be seen in a conversation with former PM of Iceland Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, chairman of the Arctic Circle, on the sidelines of the Arctic Circle India Forum held on May 3-4 in New Delhi, India. X/milinddeora The 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly will be held in the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre, Reykjavík, Iceland, on October 16-18.
The Print
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Print
Former Iceland PM backs stronger India-Nordic ‘partnerships', says ‘Greenland not for sale'
The former Icelandic prime minister is in New Delhi for the Arctic Circle India Forum, co-hosted by the Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). 'What we have seen really is the fact that the relation between India and the Nordics has been growing stronger. And now, actually, the Nordic prime ministers are heading for a third meeting in Oslo. So, I think this is an important relation both to Nordic countries and to India,' Jakobsdóttir said to ThePrint. New Delhi: India and the Nordic countries are working together to build 'understandings' and a 'partnership', former Icelandic prime minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir said in an exclusive interview with ThePrint, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway for the third India-Nordic Summit this month. 'We're living in very turbulent times where dialogue is needed between different countries. Also, even though the differences are great, it's so important to create understanding and opportunities. India is the largest democracy in the world. Its population is growing very fast. It's one of the largest economies in the world,' Jakobsdóttir added. 'I noticed that your foreign minister [S. Jaishankar] said we don't need preachers, we need partners. But I think exactly that is what the Nordic-Indo relationship has been about. It has been about partnerships.' Jaishankar had Sunday criticised European countries at the Arctic Circle India Forum as having a penchant for 'preaching', saying they need to 'start acting based on a framework of mutuality'. Modi is set to travel to Croatia, Norway and the Netherlands from 13 May to 17 May. Norway will hold the third India-Nordic Summit, where the leaders of Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland will also participate. Jakobsdóttir represented Iceland at both the previous editions of the summit. Last year, India signed a free trade agreement with Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland—the four members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)—the first such deal with European nations. Jakobsdóttir led Reykjavik through the negotiations for the deal during her 7-year tenure as prime minister. Also Read: Why India needs to be a part of strategic conversations on Greenland Politics of the Arctic & Greenland The Arctic region has been in the news in the past few months as US President Donald J. Trump has set his sights on Greenland, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark. The King of Denmark, Frederik X, travelled to the strategic island last week. US Vice-President J.D. Vance, during a trip to an American military installation on the island at the end of March, accused Denmark of underinvesting in the island, while Trump has refused to rule out a military takeover of the mineral-rich island. Denmark is a military ally of the US through its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). 'The three countries that the Kingdom of Denmark is built on—Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. And of course, Greenland is a country with a rich culture, population, with a very special culture and language. And, as so many have said, you know, Greenland can't be bought or sold,' Jakobsdóttir said to ThePrint. 'Greenland is our nearest neighbour in Iceland. I've been there several times and I've met many Greenlandic friends. I think their future is bright. Greenland is not a commodity to be bought or sold,' she added. The US president has been wary of the Arctic build-up by Russia and China, and has claimed it is an issue of international security for the US to annex Greenland. Trump's focus on Russia's potential to strengthen its position in the Arctic comes at a time when the Arctic Council, the main intergovernmental forum to deal with the region, remains hamstrung due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. 'Of course, we have had severe challenges in the Arctic Council for the last years after Russia's illegal and brutal invasion into Ukraine. And from that point, we haven't really had a political debate with Russia. Within the Arctic Council, that has proven to be quite a challenge,' said Jakobsdóttir. 'And there we have Russia and then other seven countries that are all actually members of NATO around the Arctic. So obviously, that creates a challenge for the Arctic Council,' she added. Set up in 1996, the Arctic Council has eight members—Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the US. India is an observer member of the intergovernmental forum, along with China and 11 other countries. The former Icelandic prime minister said developments in the Arctic have an impact on other parts of the world, including India. 'The changes in the Arctic might have an effect on the water supply of India and the rest of Southeast Asia,' she said. The changes in the 'Arctic might have an effect on the monsoon, which is really the backbone of Indian agriculture and food production,' added Jakobsdóttir. 'When we talk about possible opportunities in the Arctic, I think it's very important to keep in mind the holistic picture that the climate crisis is affecting each and every one of us. Of course, we need to think about applications, but we cannot stop thinking about mitigation and how we can actually reduce the effects of climate change.' (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: 'India wants partners, not preachers'—Jaishankar slams Europe's lack of engagement with Russia for peace
