OSLO, May 18 (ANI): Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Monday called for a collective stand against the “weaponization of diplomacy, trade and technology” amid growing global uncertainty during a joint press statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Norway.
Addressing the media alongside Modi, Støre emphasized the importance of a rules-based global order and warned against rising protectionism and increasing geopolitical tensions.
He said that while India and Norway may not agree on every issue, both nations share a strong commitment to democratic values and respectful engagement.
“What unites us today, Prime Minister, is more important: a belief that cooperation delivers better results than unilateralism and isolation, especially when it comes to global challenges,” Støre said.
“Today, we move yet another step forward with great substance and great ambition. Norway and India do not always see eye to eye on all issues. Nobody does. And we are both respectful democracies that handle those issues in ways that live up to democratic standards,” he added.
“We have to stand up against those who weaponize diplomacy, who weaponize trade, and who weaponize technology. At a time of rising protectionism and more tense geopolitical dynamics, it’s more important than ever to stand together for a rules-based order,” Støre said.
The Norwegian prime minister also said the two leaders discussed major international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the situation in West Asia.
“I appreciate this direct contact between diplomats in Norway and India in handling and addressing these issues,” he said.
The remarks came during Modi’s five-nation tour, which includes Norway as the fourth stop. Modi arrived in Oslo after visiting the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
During the visit, Modi will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit and will also meet Norway’s King Harald V and Queen Sonja.
Modi’s five-nation tour runs from May 15 to 20, with Italy scheduled to be the final stop of the trip. (ANI)
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