REYKJAVIK: Iceland president Olafur Grimsson, who takes pride in his long association with India, says New Delhi can play a leading role in world politics provided it does not remain engrossed in domestic affairs.

``India has the opportunity to play a leading role on the world stage and not be solely occupied with problems at home. It has an economic advantage, a vibrant democracy and has established peace in a reasonable way with its neighbours and relations with Europe and the United States,'' Mr. Grimsson told correspondents who are accompanying President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on his four-nation tour.

Indian economy had turned around and, having a democracy that stood the test of time, the country could have its voice heard on the world stage.

Long association

Mr. Grimsson said both India and Iceland got independence around the same time. Recalling his association with Indian leaders since Indira Gandhi, he talked glowingly of his special relationship with Rajiv Gandhi.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi was his personal guest in 2001. ``She came along with Manmohan Singh and Natwar Singh. She was the Leader of the Opposition and today the Congress is leading the Government,'' he said emphasising that he always stood for friends irrespective of the positions they did or did not hold.

A photograph in gilt-edge frame showing the Congress leaders during their visit to Iceland adornshis official residence and shares space with those of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the former United States President, Bill Clinton.

Mr. Grimsson is confident that Mr. Kalam's current visit will open new vistas of cooperation in the fields of pharmaceuticals, aviation, earthquake research, information technology and geo-thermal energy.

Iceland wants to join hands with India and become a major player in pharmaceuticals and information technology.

Air links

He has been pursuing the launching of air services linking India to Europe and America with Iceland as the hub.

Considering that Iceland has been a pioneer in low-cost air service, he says the current agreements could work wonders.

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