The prime ministers of the Nordic countries on Wednesday condemned the aggression in Ukrain by the Russian forces and expressed their serious concern about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. In a joint statement issued after the second India-Nordic Summit in Copenhagen, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the leaders also reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
"The Nordic Prime Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces," read the joint statement. The leaders discussed the destabilizing effect of the conflict in Ukraine and its broader regional and global implications.
The statement assumes significance as India has been taking a neutral stand on the issue by refusing to condemn Russia explicitly.
Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Iceland's Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Norway's Jonas Gahr Støre, Sweden's Magdalena Andersson and Finland PM Sanna Marin were present at the summit.
Discussions were held on multilateral cooperation in post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, sustainable development, innovation, digitalization, and green and clean growth, said a release issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Discussions were also held on cooperation in maritime sector with a focus on sustainable ocean management, it said. Modi invited Nordic companies for investing in the Blue Economy sector, especially in India’s Sagarmala project.
“India’s partnership with the Nordic region in the Arctic Region was discussed. Prime Minister noted that India’s Arctic Policy provides a good framework for expansion of India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region,” the PMO said.
