Oslo, May 18 (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held delegation-level talks in Oslo on Monday and agreed to elevate India-Norway relations to the level of a “Green Strategic Partnership.” The decision marks a significant step toward deepening cooperation in the fields of clean energy, ocean-based economy, and green transition.
In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the two leaders reviewed all aspects of India-Norway relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, maritime economy, circular economy, renewable energy, education, science and technology, artificial intelligence, space, and the Arctic region.
He further stated that both leaders highlighted the immense opportunities emerging from the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in sectors such as trade, technology cooperation, and employment generation. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues.
The Prime Minister of Norway reiterated his firm support for India and the global fight against terrorism. Both leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms.
Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers delivered a joint press statement. Prime Minister Modi said that eliminating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a shared commitment of both India and Norway. He added that reforms in global institutions are essential to effectively address rising global challenges.
In his joint press statement with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Modi said that both India and Norway believe in a rules-based international order, dialogue, and diplomacy, and that no issue can be resolved through military conflict. Referring to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, he said India would continue to support every effort aimed at restoring peace and ensuring an early end to conflicts.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the world is currently passing through a phase of instability and uncertainty, but despite such challenges, India and Europe are entering a new golden era in their relations.
PM Modi said he had planned to visit Norway last year, but the visit had to be postponed due to the Pahalgam terror attack. He noted that during that difficult period, Norway stood firmly with India against terrorism, demonstrating the spirit of true friendship.
He further said that the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement implemented last year between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) serves as a blueprint for shared progress and prosperity between India and Norway. Under the agreement, a target has been set for investments worth 100 billion US dollars in India and the creation of one million jobs over the next 15 years.
Prime Minister Modi announced that India and Norway have decided to formally shape their bilateral ties into a “Green Strategic Partnership.” He said that India’s capabilities in clean energy, climate adaptation, blue economy, and green shipping, combined with Norway’s technology and capital, would contribute toward developing global solutions.
He emphasized that research, education, and innovation are emerging as strong pillars of bilateral relations. Both countries have agreed to expand research collaboration in areas such as sustainability, ocean energy, geology, and healthcare.
The Prime Minister also stated that the partnership would be future-ready by connecting universities and startup ecosystems in fields such as engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital technologies. Cooperation in skill development and talent mobility will also be expanded.
PM Modi noted that Norway is an important Arctic nation and that both countries have enjoyed long-standing cooperation in Arctic and polar research. He expressed gratitude to Norway for its support in the operation of India’s Arctic research station “Himadri.”
He added that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Norwegian Space Agency would provide new momentum to bilateral space cooperation.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Norway’s decision to join the “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.” He said both countries would strengthen cooperation in maritime economy, maritime security, and capacity building.
PM Modi further announced that the two countries have signed a trilateral development cooperation agreement aimed at promoting human development in Global South countries through India’s digital public infrastructure projects.
Concluding his remarks, Prime Minister Modi said that India-Norway cooperation is reaching new dimensions — from the Arctic to outer space, from green shipping to the blue economy, and from energy security to food security.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
