New Delhi, (HS) : Europe is set to be Indian diplomacy’s new focus after US Vice President J D Vance’s visit to India from April 21 to 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will headline a flurry of high-level engagements in May with his
tour to Croatia, Norway and Netherlands. The highlight of this visit is expected to be his participation in the third India- Nordic Summit scheduled for May 15 in Norway’s capital city Oslo. Modi’s European itinerary is likely to begin with a historic stop in Croatia, marking the first- ever visit by an Indian prime minister to the Adriatic nation. The visit is aimed at enhancing economic ties, particularly in the context of the India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor, announced during the 2023 G20 Summit in Delhi. Croatia’s geographic position and nearby ports such as Italy’s Trieste-a key element in the corridor– make it a vital partner in this initiative. In Norway, Modi will attend the India-Nordic Summit alongside leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The summit will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, innovation, renewable energy, climate change, and sustainable development. Norway, has ratified the India- EFTA (European Free Trade Association), trade pact, known as TEPA, Trade and Economic
Partnership Agreement. EFTA is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes free trade and economic cooperation between its member states, which currently include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The bilateral discussions with Norway will also touch on Arctic cooperation, maritime industries, and UN Security Council reform, where Norway backs India’s bid for permanent membership, sources said. Modi recently held conversations on phone with both Danish Prime Minister M Mette Frederiksen and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, highlighting the summit’s importance.
- Dumani Mail Bureau
