'Need more sambandh': Iceland PM draws attention to 'purely Icelandic word' with PM Modi on stage at Nordic conference - watch

NEW DELHI: Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir drew attention to the word “sambandh,” noting its linguistic and emotional resonance between India and Iceland. Speaking during the India-Nordic Summit on Tuesday, the remarks came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's use of the word where he highlighted that in several Nordic languages, the word had the same meaning as in Hindi.

"We've seen through the free trade agreements that Prime Minister Modi addressed an increase in investment coming from Iceland into India. So there are so many things that we can do together, and I just have to address, I love that word 'Sambandh'. This is such a purely Icelandic word, and people will be very devoted to this language, Prime Minister Modi, because this is what people need. They need more 'sambandh' today," Iceland PM Kristrún Frostadóttir said.


PM Modi had used the word to bring to attention the "closeness of our thoughts".



"Today, I used the word ‘sambandh’ many times. In several Nordic languages, the word ‘sambandh’ means connection, relations, a bond. In Hindi too, ‘sambandh’ carries the same meaning. This is not just a similarity of words, it reflects the closeness of our thoughts. Let us deepen the bonds between us in every field and make the India-Nordic partnership a model of shared prosperity, innovation, and a sustainable future," he said.


The summit convened leaders from India and the Nordic nations, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, to chart a shared vision for future cooperation, with a strong focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and advanced technological collaboration.