Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland to India
The Icelandic Foreign Minister, on his maiden visit to India, came in the inaugural flight of WOW airlines, the Icelandic carrier which has started direct flights, thrice a week from Reykjavik to New Delhi.
During the visit, the Minister met External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj and held discussions on bilateral, multilateral and international issues of interest. The two Ministers appreciated the start of direct flights between Iceland and India. This direct connectivity promises to give huge boost to trade and cultural ties. Iceland has some of the world’s leading technologies in fisheries and geo-thermal energy.
The two Ministers noted that in the areas such as geo-thermal energy, fisheries, IT, pharmaceuticals and tourism, the two countries could establish strong partnership. The Icelandic Minister appreciated growing opportunities for Icelandic companies in the fast-growing Indian economy. The two Ministers expressed satisfaction at the ongoing cooperation at multilateral and international forums. The two Ministers also discussed the possibility of enhanced cooperation in the Arctic Council, an inter-governmental Forum of Arctic states where India has an Observer status.
During the visit, the Icelandic Foreign Minister also met Minister of State for Tourism and Minister of State for Power and Renewable Energy. He would also visit Agra and Jaipur.
Iceland and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations. The former Icelandic President H.E. Dr. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson is a great friend of India, and has visited India on several official and private visits. President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam paid a State Visit to Iceland in May 2005.
