NORDIC-BALTIC EIGHT (NB8)

NORDIC-BALTIC EIGHT (NB8)

About NB8:

• The NB8 is a regional cooperation format involving eight countries
  • Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
  • Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

     

    Difference between the Nordic and Baltic countries:

    1. Nordic Countries:
       • The Nordic countries include the countries Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
       • Geographically, Scandinavian refers to the region in the peninsula that encompasses the major countries of Norway, Sweden, and partially Finland.
       • All these three related languages have one similar word as Swedes, Norwegians, and the Danes call their area “skandinavien” the very same area that in early days was the home of the Norse people, which included Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
       • Normally, it could be Danish, Norwegians, and Swedes that you meet and refer to themselves as Scandinavian.
       • Iceland and Finland are two of the countries that are classified as Nordic on account of their affiliations with the Nordic nations in terms of history and culture.
    2. Baltic Countries:
       • The Baltic countries are Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
       • These countries lie along the Baltic Sea, but they are not considered Scandinavian or Nordic.
       • The Baltic states have experienced influences from Nordic cultures, given their northern positioning.
       • In contrast, the Balkan countries (located in southeastern Europe) have been influenced by a diverse array of civilizations, including the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires.
    3. Nordic-Baltic Community:
       • The Nordic-Baltic region brings together all five Nordic countries and the Baltic countries under the same umbrella.
       • This community has a combined GDP of close to $2.0 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy in Europe.

    In summary, while the Nordic countries have Scandinavian roots, the Baltic countries are distinct and have their own unique cultural and historical backgrounds

• These countries share geographical proximity and have deep historical, social, economic, and cultural ties.
• Most Nordic countries are EU members, except Iceland and Norway, which are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Importance of NB8:

• These are developed nations with modern, technologically-Based economies that are fully enclosed in the European Common Market.Now, the Baltic countries – Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia – are considered the IT, digitization, cyber, and green technology champions.Democratisation, human rights protection and respect for international law and multilateralism are principles NB8 countries adhere to.

NB8 and India:

• India’s cooperation with NB8 countries is growing, including partnerships like:
  • India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership
  • India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy
  • Sustainability and ICT cooperation with Finland
  • ‘LeadIT’ initiative with Sweden
• Cooperation spans fields such as innovation, green transition, maritime, health, intellectual property rights, new technologies, space cooperation, and AI.
• Trade and investment between India and the NB8 region are increasing.
• Security in the Nordic-Baltic region is linked with the Indo-Pacific.

India’s Interest in the Nordic Region:

Geopolitical Interests:

1. Political Cooperation and Global Governance:
   • Democratic Values and Human Rights: Shared commitment to democracy and human rights.
   • United Nations Reforms: Both advocate for inclusive and representative global institutions.
2. Arctic Affairs:
   • Observer Status in the Arctic Council: India seeks to collaborate on Arctic research, climate change, and sustainable resource use.

Geo-economic Interests:

1. Trade and Investment:
   • Bilateral Trade: Key partners in technology, green energy, and pharmaceuticals.
   • Investment: Significant sources of FDI in clean energy, IT, and manufacturing.
2. Technological and Research Collaboration:
   • Innovation Partnerships: Focus on IT, biotechnology, and clean energy.
   • Sustainability and Green Technologies: Collaboration on sustainable urban planning, waste management, and renewable energy.

Geostrategic Interests:

1. Maritime Security:
   • Indian Ocean Region: Potential collaboration in maritime security and ensuring free sea lanes.
2. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability:
   • Climate Action Collaboration: Joint efforts in climate mitigation, adaptation, and environmental management.
   • Polar Research: Collaborative research in the Arctic and Antarctic.
3. Defense and Security:
   • Defense Cooperation: Potential partnerships in defense technology and procurement.
   • Cybersecurity: Joint efforts to protect digital infrastructure and combat cyber threats.