India, May 24 -- Read the 19 May statement and one adjective breaks the diplomatic rhythm: trusted. The relationship was upgraded to a 'Trusted Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership.'

On 17 May, Swedish Gripen fighters peeled off the wingtips of PM Modi's aircraft as it crossed into Gothenburg airspace, a salute Stockholm reserves for very few.

Two days later, in Oslo, six Prime Ministers signed off on the joint statement of the Third India-Nordic Summit. The headlines tracked the obvious: $100 billion of EFTA investment, a "Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership," the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. The deeper story sits underneath the press releases. India has, without comm...