Iceland's PM Highlights Cultural Ties with India at India-Nordic Summit 2026
Strengthening Bonds Through Language
During the India-Nordic Summit 2026 held on Tuesday, Iceland's Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir emphasized the significance of the word “sambandh,” which resonates in both Hindi and various Nordic languages. While addressing the audience alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she expressed her admiration for the emotional and linguistic ties that exist between India and Iceland. Frostadóttir noted, “The free trade agreements highlighted by Prime Minister Modi have led to a rise in Icelandic investments in India. There are numerous collaborative opportunities ahead.” She further stated, “I am particularly fond of the term ‘sambandh’. It embodies the essence of Icelandic culture, and it is crucial for people today to foster more ‘sambandh’.”
#WATCH | Oslo | At joint press conference by Nordic PMs, Prime Minister of Iceland, Kristrún Frostadóttir says, " I had my first bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi this morning, which was a very exciting meeting for us because we have such a good story to tell between… pic.twitter.com/Lap0qoQAtE
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) May 19, 2026
Earlier in the summit, Modi highlighted the shared meaning of “sambandh,” which translates to connection, relationship, or bond, in both Hindi and several Nordic languages. He remarked, “I have used the word ‘sambandh’ multiple times today. In various Nordic languages, it signifies connection and relations, just as it does in Hindi.” Modi emphasized that this linguistic similarity reflects a deeper connection in thought and urged for enhanced collaboration across all sectors to establish the India-Nordic partnership as a beacon of shared prosperity, innovation, and sustainability. The summit convened leaders from India and Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, to explore avenues for cooperation in sustainability, climate action, innovation, and advanced technologies.