Kirti Vardhan Singh Plants a Rowan Sapling in Iceland Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Drive

During a crisp Saturday morning in Iceland’s stunning Thorsmork Forest, Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh took a moment to get his hands dirty – literally. He planted a young Rowan sapling, a species deeply woven into Icelandic folklore, as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign that encourages every Indian to plant a tree.

Singh shared a quick video on social media, noting how the forest’s restoration projects aim to protect its fragile ecosystem. “The Rowan tree is historically considered sacred in our Icelandic friends’ tales and is usually left untouched,” he wrote, adding a light‑hearted smiley to his post.

Before the tree‑planting, the minister met Iceland’s Environment, Energy and Climate Minister Johann Pall Johannsson in Reykjavik. Their chat revolved around deepening bilateral cooperation on clean‑energy technology, climate resilience and sustainable development – a dialogue that followed Johannsson’s recent visit to India for the 2nd India‑EFTA Prosperity Summit.

The itinerary also included a stop at the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant, one of the world’s most advanced facilities of its kind. Singh praised the plant’s innovative use of Earth’s heat, calling the tour “insightful” and hinting at lessons India could borrow for its own geothermal ambitions.

Wrapping up the visit, Singh spent time with Indian embassy officials in Reykjavik, urging them to push forward the Prime Minister’s 3Ts – Trade, Technology and Tourism – while strengthening the growing partnership between New Delhi and Reykjavík.