The President of India recently completed a diplomatic tour, focusing on strengthening ties with three countries: Iceland, Switzerland, and Slovenia. This article delves into the historical background and key highlights of the President’s visit, paving the way for potential cooperation areas between India and each nation.
India-Iceland Relations: An Overview
The friendship between India and Iceland has revolved around shared values and mutual interests. The relationship traces its roots back to a series of high-level visits that started in 2000, bringing about a new wave of dynamism to the bilateral relations. Notably, Iceland was the first Nordic country to openly support India’s bid for permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The country also co-sponsored the resolution to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga at the UN.
Key Highlights from the Visit to Iceland
During his visit, the President signed and exchanged agreements with Iceland in the domains of fisheries, cultural collaboration, and visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Furthermore, a long-standing demand of India for the establishment of a Hindi Chair at the University of Iceland was fulfilled, signifying an important cultural achievement.
On economic matters, India’s aspirations to become a 5 trillion economy by 2024-25 were brought to the fore, with the understanding that Iceland’s technology expertise could contribute significantly towards achieving this goal. Likewise, India expressed interest in leveraging Iceland’s pioneering efforts in green technologies for climate change mitigation. Future cooperation is expected in sectors including pharma, healthcare, biotech, finance, hospitality and tourism services.</p> <table> <tr> <th>Country</th> <th>Historical Background</th> <th>Future Areas of Cooperation</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Iceland</td> <td>First Nordic country to publicly support India’s UNSC candidature</td> <td>Pharma, Healthcare, Biotech, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism Services</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Switzerland</td> <td>Principal partners in Asia since 1948</td> <td>Capital, Technology, Science, Skills</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Slovenia</td> <td>India recognized independent Slovenia in 1992</td> <td>High Technology, Robotics, AI, Start-ups, Innovation</td> </tr> </table> <h4>India-Switzerland Relations: A Brief History</h4> <p>India has been one of Switzerland’s principal partners in Asia. The bond was cemented in 1948 with the signing of a Friendship Treaty between the two nations. Subsequently, several bilateral agreements pertaining to trade, education, visas, migration, air traffic, finance, taxation and scientific cooperation have been signed.</p> <h4>Highlights from the Visit to Switzerland</h4> <p>During his visit, the Indian President addressed the Federal Council of Switzerland, the highest executive authority in the country, and unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Villeneuve. The nations agreed on their first automatic exchange of information regarding tax affairs. Switzerland is currently the largest exporter to India from Europe, with bilateral trade volume standing at around US 19 billion. Future collaboration areas include capital, technology, scientific skills and more for mutual benefit.
India-Slovenia Relationship: Historical Background
Slovenia gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. India recognized the independent state of Slovenia in 1992 and supported its membership at the UN. Since then, the two nations have maintained warm bilateral relations, with trade balance significantly favoring India.
Key Insights from the Visit to Slovenia
This visit marked the first-ever presidential visit from India to Slovenia. The countries exchanged seven MoUs and Programmes of Cooperation in various fields, including investment, sports, culture, river rejuvenation (Clean Ganga Mission), science & technology, and standards. India also sought Slovenia’s support for its bid to secure permanent membership at the UN Security Council and Nuclear Suppliers Group. Future cooperation opportunities lie in high technology sectors, especially clean technology, robotics, AI, start-ups, and innovation.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024