India is a large stakeholder in the Arctic: Iceland FM Gudlaugur Thor

Iceland’s Foreign Minister Gudlaugur Thor was in India recently and spoke at length with WION’s principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. The Arctic country, which is going to chair the Arctic Council next year, welcomed India’s role in the region and called for increased ties between New Delhi and Reykjavik.

What is the focus of your visit?

We want to strengthen ties between India and Iceland. Obviously, we are very different. You are big populated, a superpower in every way. We are small, but we share many similarities. We share the same values. There a lot of opportunities. 

How do you see India’s role in the Arctic Council?

We have Nordic countries, Russia, Canada, US in the Arctic Council. Other large countries, especially in Asia, are very important. We are not doing anything alone, especially when it comes to research and scientific methods. We also need to have international law when it comes to all this. For example, transportation and exploiting natural resources. Because what we want is shortening of sailing routes. It is very important that the Arctic remains a peaceful, low tension area. The only way to do is to work with all stakeholders.

The song ‘Gerua’ was shot in Iceland. Would like more Bollywood movies to be shot there? 

Gerua is a very beautiful video, well recognised. The Iceland film industry is interested in working with the Indian film industry. The places you see in the video are not far away and are easily accessible.

Your take on China’s Polar Silk Road?

In general, it’s good that we are building infrastructure projects around the world. But it is very important that all multilateralism be based on values we have built so far. We find it essential that multilateralism be based on the rule of law, human rights and democratic values.