Accompanying the Minister and his delegation was R. Ravindra, Ambassador of India to Iceland. Hreinn Óskarsson, Division Head of National Forests, Land and Infrastructure at Land and Forest Iceland, joined the visit to present the projects underway in the area, particularly the extensive work being undertaken to provide high-quality facilities for hiking and outdoor recreation while preventing damage caused by visitor traffic. The delegation was welcomed at Básar, where Land and Forest Iceland staff working in the area, together with members of the outdoor association Útivist, received the Minister and his party in the main lodge.

Minister Singh had specifically requested the opportunity to plant a tree during his visit, and a rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) was chosen for the occasion. Through the planting, he wished to draw attention to the major Indian environmental initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, meaning “One Tree in the Name of Mother”. The campaign was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage people to honour their mothers, and in doing so Mother Earth, by nurturing life and restoring the land.

Following the visit, Minister Singh was quoted as saying that it had been inspiring to witness the extensive work being undertaken in Þórsmörk to protect and strengthen the area's unique natural environment. It was also noted that the visit reflected growing international cooperation and solidarity in addressing climate and forestry challenges.

It was considered particularly fitting that the Minister should plant a rowan tree in Þórsmörk, as rowan holds a special place in Icelandic folklore and tradition. According to old beliefs, the rowan was thought to be accompanied by nine benevolent and nine malevolent spirits, as noted by Ágúst H. Bjarnason in his Icelandic Flora. Although rowan does not form forests in Iceland, it commonly grows within birch woodlands, where it is especially conspicuous when in blossom in early summer and laden with berries in autumn. Its seeds are dispersed by birds and carried far and wide, much like the message of solidarity for nature and humanity conveyed by the Indian visitors.

Accompanying photos were taken by Hreinn Óskarsson and Hrafn Óskarsson. On the last photo above are from right to left: Isobel Cadec and Chas Goemans who work for Land and Forest Iceland at Þórsmörk, Hreinn Óskarsson department Head at Land and Forest Iceland, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh and Ambassador R. Ravindra. Photo: Hrafn Óskarsson