Oslo/New Delhi, May 18(HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held extensive bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, marking a historic milestone in India-Norway relations as the two nations elevated their partnership to a “Green Strategic Partnership.”

The visit also witnessed Prime Minister Modi being conferred with Norway’s highest civilian honour — the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India’s global stature.

The visit is being viewed as a major diplomatic and strategic achievement for India, particularly at a time when Europe is seeking stronger partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region and global geopolitical tensions continue to reshape international alliances.

Norway Confers Highest Civilian Honour on PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, the highest grade of Norway’s prestigious royal order. The honour is bestowed for exceptional service in advancing Norway’s interests and fostering international cooperation.

This became the 32nd international honour conferred upon Prime Minister Modi by a foreign nation during his tenure. A day earlier, he had also received Sweden’s prestigious Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross during his visit to Stockholm.

The honour reflects the growing importance of India’s relations with Nordic nations and recognition of Modi’s diplomatic outreach and leadership on global issues including climate cooperation, economic partnerships, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

India and Norway Elevate Ties to Green Strategic Partnership

Following delegation-level talks in Oslo, both countries announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a “Green Strategic Partnership,” aimed at deepening cooperation in clean energy, maritime sectors, climate adaptation, sustainability, and green technologies.

Addressing a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Modi said India and Norway believe in a rules-based global order, diplomacy, and dialogue as the foundation for resolving conflicts.

Referring to ongoing crises in Ukraine and West Asia,PM Modi stated that military solutions alone cannot ensure lasting peace and stressed the need for dialogue-driven diplomacy.

“It is our shared commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its forms,” PM Modi said, while thanking Norway for standing firmly with India against terrorism during difficult times, including after the Pahalgam terror attack that had led to the postponement of last year’s India-Nordic Summit.

Focus on Trade, Energy, Technology and Blue Economy

Trade and economic cooperation remained central to the discussions between the two leaders. PM Modi highlighted that India and Europe are entering a “new golden era” of economic engagement, particularly after the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

The agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association — comprising Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — is expected to significantly boost trade, technology collaboration, and investment flows.

According to estimates discussed during the visit, the agreement aims to facilitate nearly 100 billion dollars in investments in India over the next 15 years and generate around one million jobs.

Both countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in:

Renewable and clean energy

Green shipping and maritime technologies

-Blue economy initiatives

-Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure

-Space research and Arctic cooperation

-Healthcare and education

-Skill development and innovation ecosystems

Prime Minister Modi said India’s technological capabilities combined with Norway’s expertise and capital could contribute to global solutions in sustainability and energy transition.

India-Norway Business and Research Summit

Prime Minister Modi later inaugurated the India-Norway Business and Research Summit alongside Prime Minister Støre. Addressing business leaders and researchers,PM Modi highlighted India’s emergence as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and invited Norwegian industries to expand investments in India.

He stressed that growing India-Europe trade demonstrates increasing mutual trust and shared economic interests. Nutrition, healthcare, digital technology, green mobility, and sustainable infrastructure were identified as key sectors for future collaboration.

Norwegian Prime Minister Støre described the trade agreements signed with India as “unique,” noting that Norway had not entered into similar agreements with many other countries.

Meeting With Norway’s King Harald V

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi also met Harald V at the Royal Palace in Oslo. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi highlighted India’s rapid transformation and emerging opportunities for Norwegian businesses in technology, innovation, and manufacturing sectors.

King Harald V hosted a luncheon in honour of the Indian Prime Minister.

Strategic Importance of Nordic Outreach

PM Modi’s Norway visit is considered strategically significant as it marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over four decades. The visit also precedes the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, where leaders from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland are expected to discuss trade, climate cooperation, Arctic policy, technology partnerships, and regional security issues.

Analysts believe India’s growing engagement with Nordic countries reflects India’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with technologically advanced and resource-rich European nations amid shifting global dynamics.

From Arctic cooperation and green maritime initiatives to digital infrastructure and geopolitical coordination, India’s expanding partnership with Norway is increasingly being seen as a key pillar of its evolving Europe policy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar