Indian Minister Plants Rowan Tree in Iceland as Part of One Tree for Mother Initiative

Reykjavik, October 10 (Daily Kiran) : Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, visited the Þórsmörk forest in Iceland on Saturday. During his visit, he planted a Rowan tree as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Tree for Mother’ initiative.

On social media platform X, Singh shared, “I visited the Þórsmörk forest in Iceland and witnessed the inspiring conservation efforts aimed at restoring and protecting its unique ecosystem. I planted a native Rowan tree under Prime Minister Modi’s initiative.” He noted that Rowan trees are historically considered sacred in Icelandic folklore and are often spared from being cut down.

On Friday, Singh met with Iceland’s Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate, Johann Paul Johannsson, in Reykjavik. They discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation in clean and renewable energy, climate action, and sustainable development.

“It was a pleasure meeting Johann Paul Johannsson, who recently returned from the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit in India. We had a meaningful discussion on enhancing bilateral cooperation in clean/renewable energy, climate action, and sustainable development,” Singh remarked. He expressed eagerness to deepen collaboration in these critical areas and advance practical cooperation between the two nations.

Additionally, Singh visited the Hellisheiði Power Plant, one of the world’s leading geothermal energy facilities. He stated, “My visit to Iceland’s Hellisheiði Power Plant, a top geothermal energy facility, was highly informative. It provided insight into Iceland’s innovative use of geothermal resources for clean and sustainable energy. There are many important lessons to be learned here to strengthen India-Iceland cooperation in geothermal energy and broader clean energy transitions.”

Singh also engaged with officials from the Indian Embassy in Reykjavik, encouraging them to advance diplomatic priorities with dedication and purpose. This effort aims to promote PM Modi’s vision of 3Ts: Trade, Technology, and Tourism, thereby deepening cooperation in key areas of India-Iceland relations.