From Svalbard to the Himalayas: Iceland Seeks Joint Climate Research with India

Ambassador Benedict Hoskuldsson told reporters that Iceland wishes to collaborate with India on Arctic research, praising India’s scientific activities in the Svalbard archipelago. He argued that shared challenges between the Arctic and the Himalayan regions—especially climate change—make joint studies mutually beneficial. The diplomat also reiterated that Iceland sees India as a strategic friend, noting the rapid economic growth and rising geopolitical weight of the subcontinent. While Iceland has decided not to restart EU accession talks, it remains deeply embedded in the European single market and looks to strengthen ties with India across trade, research and diplomatic fronts.