India's rise was not going to harm anyone in the Nordic region or elsewhere: Narayanan

IANS | 19 Apr, 2008
India's rise as a global player would not harm anyone anywhere, National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan told foreign ministers of Nordic countries at a special meeting here this week.

Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt invited Narayanan to speak on the issue during his April 15-18 visit, making a rare departure from the Scandinavian tradition of discussing common issues among themselves in their biannual meet.

"This was a singular honour as while the foreign ministers of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland meet biannually to discuss issues of common concern, it is quite rare that they have invited a dignitary from outside the region to speak to and interact with the group," said an official statement from the Indian embassy here.

Addressing the meet, Narayanan emphasised that India's rise was not going to harm anyone in the Nordic region or elsewhere.

During his stay, Narayanan also called on Bildt and discussed bilateral issues, particularly civil nuclear energy cooperation.

He sought to assure Bildt that a strategic partnership between India and Sweden would enhance the peaceful use of the nuclear power.

On April 17, Narayanan addressed a group of policy makers and think tanks at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs on India's security environment.

Narayanan also held a meeting with the Indian community in Sweden.