The Foreign Minister of Iceland and the External Affairs Minister of India met over a remote meeting on the occasion of 50 years of political relations between India and Iceland
Increased bilateral cooperation between Iceland and India in many fields, i.a. in the use of renewable energy, the fishing industry, culture and education, and the consequences of the war in Ukraine were among the topics of discussion at the remote meeting of Þordís Kolbrún Reykfjörður Gylfadóttir, Minister of Foreign Affairs and dr. India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar . The meeting was held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the political union of the states.
The foreign ministers discussed the state of world affairs, including a. the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its global consequences. Þórdís Kolbrún expressed his concern about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as well as food security in the world's poorer countries, and his willingness to work with India and other democratic countries to defend the international system and international law. Sustainable development, human rights and Arctic issues were also discussed.
The ministers decided to strengthen relations after two years of stagnation due to the COVID-19 situation and make better use of the agreements and declarations of cooperation that have been made. It has been decided to set up a special task force (Task Force) to review cooperation possibilities in the use of geothermal energy, but there are already two projects in that field. It was decided to extend the cooperation program on cultural matters, but the current one expires this year, and to strengthen university cooperation, m. a. the field of digital development, and organize cultural events to commemorate the anniversary.
"Mutual cooperation on digital development and innovation is important, said Þórdís Kolbrún. "Indians have a lot of technical knowledge and experts at their disposal, which Icelanders can use."
The ministers expressed satisfaction with the cooperation regarding the position of an Indian visiting professor at the University of Iceland and discussed the possibility of a similar position in Icelandic studies in India.
Satisfaction was also expressed with the good cooperation between the School of Geothermal Energy, School of Fisheries and Gender Equality School GRÓ/UNESCO and the Indian parties and the many experts from India who have come for training in Iceland.