Oslo, 18 February (H.S.): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Wednesday to discuss the implementation of India-EFTA and TEPA agreements while exploring expanded collaboration across priority sectors.The leaders deliberated extensively on enhancing partnerships between the two nations.

A Finance Ministry statement posted on X highlighted emphasis on high-tech manufacturing, carbon capture and storage, startups, semiconductors, renewable energy, and waste management as promising areas for deepened cooperation.

Prime Minister Støre expressed enthusiasm for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned Norway visit later this year, confident it would further strengthen India-Norway ties.Earlier, Sitharaman participated in a roundtable with over 35 prominent Norwegian CEOs and top-level investors, joined by the CEO of India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and CII President.

She described her official Norway visit as featuring engaging and positive discussions positioning India as a compelling investment destination and the world's fastest-growing major economy.

Sitharaman noted that the Union Budget 2026-27 exemplifies the government's reform focus on easing regulatory and compliance burdens for citizens and companies. The NIIF CEO delivered a presentation illuminating India's growth narrative, reforms, and investment prospects in specific sectors between the two countries.

The roundtable addressed existing and potential business-investment opportunities across renewables, carbon capture, rare earths, financial services, advanced engineering and manufacturing, and maritime ecosystems including shipbuilding and repair. Participants commended India's predictable policies and macroeconomic stability while acknowledging the government's reform momentum.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar