During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said that a shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism makes India and Norway natural partners. The two countries also exchanged views on issues related to West Asia and global tensions.

PM Modi said, “I am delighted to be attending the India-Nordic Summit today. I thank the President for convening this summit. I welcome all Nordic leaders to this summit. Our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism makes us natural partners. Eight years ago, we established this format to energize and accelerate our relations with the Nordic countries.”

He said, “I am very pleased that we have made significant progress in our relations over the past few years. Our bilateral trade has quadrupled in 10 years. Investment funds from Nordic countries are also becoming important partners in India’s rapid growth. Investment from Nordic countries in India has increased by almost 200 percent in the last decade. India’s growth story has contributed to rapidly growing trade and investment, and has also played a very positive role in the economies of the Nordic countries, creating thousands of new jobs. Building on this strong foundation, we have recently taken some important initiatives to take our relations to the next level.”

PM Modi said, “We have implemented a trade and economic partnership with Norway, Iceland, and other EFTA countries, effective October 2025. Just a few months ago, we signed the India-EU FTA, in which Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are also partners. With these trade agreements, we are ushering in a new golden era in India-Nordic relations. We have decided to transform the India-Norway relationship into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.”

The Prime Minister said that through this Green Technology Partnership, we will combine Iceland’s zero thermal inefficiencies, Norway’s blue economy, and sustainability expertise in the Arctic and maritime sectors of all Nordic countries with India’s scale to ensure a better future for the entire world. By forming this unique strategic partnership, we will combine Sweden’s advanced manufacturing and defense, Finland’s telecom and digital technologies, Denmark’s cybersecurity and high-tech with India’s talent to develop reliable solutions for the entire world. Our extensive research and innovation are also an important pillar of the India-Nordic partnership. To strengthen this, we will work together to enhance linkages between universities, startups, and the lab ecosystem. We will deepen our cooperation in Arctic and polar research. We will ensure new opportunities for skill development and mobility between India and the Nordic countries.

He said, “We also shared our views on global issues. In times of global tension and conflict, India and the Nordic countries will continue to work together to promote a rules-based global order. Whether in Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support efforts for an early end to conflict and peace. We agree that reform of multilateral institutions is necessary and urgent.”

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After the meeting, PM Modi wrote on the social media platform X, “It was a great pleasure to meet Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. This year, India and Finland have held numerous events. PM Orpo himself visited India for the AI ​​Impact Summit. The purpose of our meeting today is to inject new energy into the relationship between the two countries.”

He said, “We discussed working together in 6G, AI, education, nuclear energy, and other future areas. We also discussed deepening engagement in climate change, the circular economy, sustainable development, and other areas.”

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the leaders also announced that India and Finland will jointly host the World Circular Economy Forum in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, in September 2026.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between industry, research institutions, and academia.

They emphasized the crucial role of sustainability and digitalization in driving future economic growth and development. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, digitalization, AI, 5G/6G, quantum technology, space, sustainability, renewable energy, circular economy, innovation, education, mobility, and people-to-people ties.

Both sides also welcomed the steady increase in bilateral trade in goods and services despite global challenges and reiterated their commitment to double the current bilateral trade by 2030.

The Ministry of External Affairs further stated, “Finland appreciated the important contribution of Indian professionals to the growth and innovation of the technology sector.”

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India and Finland enjoy a warm, friendly, and multifaceted relationship, based on shared democratic values. Finland is an important partner of India within the European Union and the Nordic region. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress in the India-EU strategic partnership and emphasized the importance of the early entry into force of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

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This was Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to the Netherlands. On the morning of May 16, Prime Minister Modi and King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands held a bilateral meeting at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. The King and Queen also hosted a luncheon for PM Modi.

Prime Minister Jetten and PM Modi held restricted and delegation-level talks during the meeting, followed by dinner on the evening of May 16.

The two Prime Ministers recalled the long-standing and historic trade linkages, deep people-to-people ties, and strong bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed their desire to further expand and deepen these diverse ties.

In this context, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress made in recent years through regular dialogue under various cooperation programs. This includes high-level dialogue, India’s G20 presidency in 2023, and the fruitful cooperation during the AI ​​Impact Summit held in New Delhi in February 2026.

Recognizing the strong momentum and growing convergence in relations between the two countries, the two leaders decided to elevate the relationship between India and the Netherlands to a “Strategic Partnership.”

In this context, they welcomed the adoption of a Strategic Partnership Roadmap, under which the two sides agreed to work through sustained and structured cooperation in all areas, including politics, trade and investment, defense and security cooperation, cybersecurity, critical and emerging technologies such as semiconductors, space, AI and quantum systems, science and innovation, sustainability, health, sustainable agriculture and food systems, water management, climate change and energy transition, sustainable transport, maritime development, education, culture, and people-to-people ties.

The two sides also agreed to explore cooperation in the field of policy planning.

The two leaders emphasized a shared vision for the future and reiterated their commitment to shared values ​​and principles, including democracy, human rights, international peace and security, and a rules-based international order, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Both governments also emphasized their commitment to strengthening and reforming the multilateral system, including expanding both permanent and non-permanent categories of UN Security Council membership to reflect today’s global realities, and called for text-based negotiations within a fixed timeframe.

Prime Minister Modi thanked his Dutch counterpart, Jeten, for his consistent support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed and expanded UNSC.

The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further deepen the India-EU strategic partnership and welcomed the conclusion of negotiations on a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement in January this year.

The two leaders also welcomed the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership, which will strengthen EU-India dialogue and cooperation on security and defence and deliver concrete results in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and defence industrial cooperation.

Recalling the EU’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific, PM Jetten announced the Netherlands’ decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and co-lead the Capacity Building and Resource Sharing pillar with Germany and the EU.

In the area of ​​defence and security cooperation, they welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent and stressed the importance of deepening defence cooperation between the two countries. An MoU was signed between the two countries on partnership in semiconductors and related emerging technologies.

In the area of ​​migration and mobility, a Memorandum of Understanding on Mobility and Migration was signed between the Government of India and the Government of the Netherlands. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Tata Electronics and ASML to support the semiconductor fab in Dholera, an MoU between the Ministry of Mines of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands on cooperation in the field of critical minerals and the Kalpasar Project, and a Joint Letter of Intent (JI) between the Ministry of Jal Shakti of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands for technical cooperation regarding the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat in the water sector.

In the field of renewable energy, the India-Netherlands Roadmap for the Development of Green Hydrogen Cooperation, the establishment of a Joint Working Group under the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Renewable Energy, and a Joint Letter of Intent between NITI Aayog and the Netherlands for cooperation on projects in the energy sector and energy transition were signed.

In the agriculture/animal husbandry sector, establishment of Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence for Flowers in West Tripura, establishment of Indo-Dutch Centre of Excellence for Training in Dairy at Centre of Excellence for Animal Husbandry (CEAH) in Bengaluru and signing of a MoU on Cooperation in Animal Husbandry and Dairying between the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Netherlands.

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Regarding the Prime Minister’s visit, Foreign Ministry Secretary (West) Sibi George said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit five countries from May 15 to 20, including the UAE and four European countries—the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. On May 15, he will meet President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE. Bilateral relations, energy cooperation, and regional issues will be discussed. India and the UAE have a comprehensive strategic partnership, and more than 4.5 million Indians live there.”

The Prime Minister will then be in the Netherlands from May 15 to 17. This is his second visit since 2017 and comes at a crucial juncture in bilateral relations. This includes the third India-Nordic Summit, which will focus on trade, investment, green technology, and innovation. The visit to these four European countries comes at a time when we finalized the India-EU FTA earlier this year.”

George further said, “During this visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. He will also meet King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The Prime Minister is also expected to address the Indian community and meet top business leaders from the Netherlands.

After the Netherlands, the Prime Minister will travel to Sweden. On May 17th, the Prime Minister will make an official visit to Gothenburg, Sweden. This will be Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Sweden. Previously, in 2018, he visited Sweden for the first India-Nordic Summit.

This upcoming visit reflects the growing depth of India-Sweden relations. The India-Sweden Innovation Partnership, announced in 2018, has steadily strengthened ties between the two countries. During the visit, the Prime Minister will discuss a wide range of bilateral issues with his Swedish counterpart, including trade and investment, green transition, AI, emerging technologies, robust supply chains, defense cooperation, space cooperation, climate action, and people-to-people contacts.

The Prime Minister will also attend the European Roundtable for Industry as the Chief Guest, a high-level forum of leading industrialists and business leaders from Europe and the UK. Ursula Vaughan will also address the meeting.

According to George, economic and business ties between India and Sweden continue to grow. are strengthening. Bilateral trade is projected to reach approximately US$7.75 billion in 2025. More than 280 Swedish companies are operating in India and more than 75 Indian companies are operating in Sweden.

The two Prime Ministers also took this initiative forward during COP28 in Dubai in 2023.

During the AI ​​Action Summit held in February this year, India and Sweden signed a joint statement to establish a “Sweden-India Technology and AI Corridor,” aimed at strengthening cooperation in AI, emerging technologies, and the innovation ecosystem.

Defense cooperation has also emerged as an important pillar of bilateral relations. The Swedish company has established its UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) manufacturing plant in India. This is Saab’s first such manufacturing unit outside Sweden and the first facility established under 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in India’s defense sector.

On May 18, PM Modi held bilateral talks at the invitation of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and the third meeting will be held on May 19. He will undertake an official visit to Norway to attend the India-Nordic Summit.

This will be Prime Minister Modi’s first bilateral visit to Norway and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. The Prime Minister will also meet with King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.

Prime Minister Modi and PM Støre will jointly address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit, which will focus on promoting trade, technology, and investment and advancing the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

The third India-Nordic Summit will be held in Oslo on May 19th. Prime Minister Modi will be joined by the Prime Ministers of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden.

The Nordic countries are important partners for India in the areas of technology, innovation, sustainable development, renewable energy, and digitalization.

Bilateral trade in goods and services between India and the Nordic countries has reached approximately US$90 billion. Of this, India’s exports represent approximately US$9.5 billion and imports approximately US$10 billion. is around $9.5 billion.

More than 700 Nordic companies operate in India, while approximately 150 Indian companies have a presence in the Nordic region. Prime Minister Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, and Finland during the third India-Nordic Summit.

The PM will then travel to Italy. George said, “As you know, the Italian Defense Minister made a successful visit to India last month. Both sides are also exploring the possibilities of defense industrial cooperation, co-development, and co-production of defense equipment.”

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He wrote on X, “So far, more than 14 million brave Iranians have declared their willingness to sacrifice their lives to defend Iran. I too have sacrificed my life for Iran, am doing so, and will continue to do so.”

It should be noted that Iran’s population is approximately 90 million.

Before Pezeshkian, Alireza Rahimi, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Youth and Adolescents (Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs), had advised enlightened Iranians and young people to form human chains outside power plants.

Rahimi also wrote in a social media post, “We will all join hands to say that attacking public infrastructure is a war crime.”

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks on Iran continue. The IDF issued a warning on Tuesday, warning people not to travel by train. It said, “Do not use trains for the next 12 hours and stay away from railway tracks.” According to The Times of Israel, the army believes the railway is being used for terrorist activities.

The IDF issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, “Dear citizens, for your safety, we appeal to you not to travel by train throughout the country from now until 9 p.m. (Iranian time). Being near trains and railway lines could put you in danger.”

Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. (US time) on Tuesday to open the Strait of Hormuz, but Israel’s warning will expire approximately 6.5 hours before that.

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Trump wrote in the “Truth” post, “An entire civilization will end tonight, never to be restored.”

He also tried to reassure that he does not wish for this to happen. He said, “I don’t want it to happen, but it might.”

He then claimed that there is now scope for a complete change of power. According to him, with this change, smarter and less radical people will take power. Trump expressed hope that if this happens, “something wonderful might happen.”

The US President concluded his remarks by saying, “Tonight could prove to be a very big and special moment in world history. The oppression, corruption, and violence that have been going on for the last 47 years could come to an end.”

Earlier, during a White House conference, Trump had warned against opening the Strait of Hormuz and reiterating his intention to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges. He said that Iran could be “destroyed overnight.” He warned that if Iran does not reach a deal with the US by a certain deadline, action could occur at any time, even on Tuesday night.

At the White House, Trump said he believes Iranian leaders are negotiating, but it is unclear whether an agreement will be reached. Iran has also rejected a proposal for a temporary ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Israel also threatened to blow up Iran’s railway system. The IDF advised Iranians not to use the rail service. Subsequently, by midday, several targets were attacked, reported the semi-official Mehr News Agency and IRNA News Agency. It was reported that on Tuesday, not only a bridge on the Tabriz-Zanjan highway in northwestern Iran, but also the Yahya Abad railway bridge and Kharg Island were targeted.

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According to information shared by the Ministry of External Affairs, during the talks, both sides reviewed all aspects of their relations and shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Both sides reviewed

the progress made in implementing the decisions taken at the 23rd Annual Summit held in New Delhi in December 2025. During this December visit, Rudenko also met with Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The last round of the FOC was held in Moscow in March 2025.

In a post on the social media platform, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “The India-Russia Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on Monday, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.”

He said, “The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of the special and privileged strategic partnership and shared mutual perspectives on bilateral, regional, and global issues.”

Furthermore, discussions have intensified regarding the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to India in May. According to reports, Lavrov may visit New Delhi to participate in the meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers on May 14-15.

Earlier on March 17, India and Russia held the 7th UN Consultations in New Delhi, where the main focus of the discussions was on issues related to the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), specifically counter-terrorism measures, peacekeeping, UNSC reform, and other topics.

“The two sides exchanged their priorities at the United Nations. The main focus of the discussion was on issues related to the agenda of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), particularly counter-terrorism measures, peacekeeping, UNSC reform, and other topics,” Jaiswal said in a post on the social media platform ‘X’.

Earlier on March 11, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and discussed the West Asia conflict and the expansion of bilateral relations.

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In the X-post, Fathali paid tribute to Khamenei’s legacy, claiming that his vision has allowed Iran to remain self-reliant despite numerous sanctions.

Fathali said, “Self-reliance, resistance, and indigenous development—these are the three lasting and strategic legacies of Imam Khamenei. Despite sanctions, Iran has succeeded in achieving a unique position globally in fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and aerospace.”

The ambassador further claimed that it is because of that legacy that Iran stands firm today and that attempts to destroy it have failed. He continued, “The result of following this path is that the world’s military powers—even 30 days after an unjust war was waged against us—have so far failed to achieve their objectives.”

The conflict began with a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28. Israel claimed that Khamenei was killed in the airstrike that same day. Israel confirmed his death a day later. He, along with several senior military officials, were also killed in the attack.

Since then, the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel has escalated. Several major Iranian cities were targeted; in retaliation, US military installations and facilities in the Gulf countries were targeted.

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In a statement issued on Christmas Day, he said Iraq courageously stood shoulder to shoulder with Iran in this unjust conflict. This support is not only due to geographical reasons, but also due to shared history, identity, and religious values.

In footage shared online by Iranian and Iraqi media outlets on Saturday and Sunday, a convoy of Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iranian-backed militia, was seen entering Iran.

Iranian media described it as the “first convoy of humanitarian aid from the Iraqi people.”

Iraq recently joined the conflict. Since the US and Israeli attacks against Iran began, violence in the country has claimed the lives of 10-12 people.

Pro-Iranian groups affiliated with the PMF—which operate both inside and outside the government—have carried out drone and rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad, US military bases in Iraq, and US-related sites (such as hotels) in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Last week, the PMF claimed Washington was responsible for attacks on an Iraqi military base and PMF headquarters, killing Iraqi security officers. Such attacks—even if they targeted pro-Iranian PMF factions—are likely to result in the deaths of Iraqi soldiers, given the close coordination and cooperation between the Iraqi army and the PMF.

Although Washington did not claim responsibility for the attacks, the Iraqi Prime Minister directed the Foreign Ministry to summon the Charge d’Affaires (acting ambassador) of the US Embassy.

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Asghar Jahangir said, “Providing any information to the US or Israel could result in the death penalty.”

The US targeted Iran’s oil reserves in its latest attack. Following this, US President Donald Trump shared a video of the attack. Iran’s decision came shortly thereafter.

Jahangir said in a statement published in Iranian media that under an improved espionage law passed last October, sending photos or videos to enemy governments (the US and Israel) could result in the confiscation of all assets and the death penalty.

Jahangir said, “When a photograph of the devastated area is taken, it tells the enemy that the target is in the correct location. Providing such information is tantamount to intelligence cooperation with the enemy.”

Iranian authorities previously arrested two people for allegedly sending information to the US and Israel. The Iranian government also took action in this case, executing two others who were allegedly involved in anti-national activities.

According to the Tasnim News Agency, security forces in northwestern Iran arrested two people who were accused of sending information about sensitive locations to the US-Israeli intelligence service.

The Tasnim News Agency reported that the two men had allegedly received cryptocurrency in exchange for providing information about safe locations. They were detained in the Osku area of ​​East Azerbaijan Province and handed over to judicial authorities.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked the people of Iraq after welcoming a convoy of paramilitary Iraqi forces into the country earlier this week. Pezeshkian wrote on Instagram, “The Iraqi Muslim people bravely stood with Iran in this wrongful war. This stance is not due to local constraints, but to history, identity, and shared religious values. I wholeheartedly shake hands with the Iraqi people, officials, and fighters.”

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