Prime Minister Aksel Vilhelmson Johannesen who is visiting India currently, expressed a keen interest in fostering collaboration between the Faroe Islands and India, particularly in the realms of fishing and tourism. The Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory of Denmark in the North Atlantic, have a population of around 50,000 and specialize in deep-sea fishing.
Prime Minister Johannesen sees potential for cooperation between the two nations in the fields of export and import related to fishing. Notably, the Faroe Islands boast companies with expertise in building vessels, a valuable asset that could contribute to India’s fishing industry. When questioned about Arctic cooperation, Prime Minister Johannesen highlighted the Faroe Islands’ strategic location, proposing it as a hub for vessels given the new sail route.
In an interview, the Prime Minister characterized the relationship between the Faroe Islands and India as having room for growth. Despite limited historical cooperation, he expressed optimism about expanding collaboration. Fisheries, a longstanding main industry in the Faroe Islands, presents a significant avenue for partnership, with both nations sharing common ground in the importance of aquaculture. Additionally, the Prime Minister identified potential collaboration in IT and tourism, citing the Faroe Islands’ recent popularity as a tourist destination.
This visit included a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, indicating a diplomatic push to strengthen ties and explore mutually beneficial avenues for collaboration.
