OSLO, May 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Monday agreed to strengthen economic cooperation, elevate bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, and expand collaboration across key strategic sectors during talks in Oslo as part of Modi’s two-day visit to Norway.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including trade and investment, climate action, energy transition, blue economy, research, education, space cooperation, and emerging technologies.
Both leaders agreed to elevate the relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership, highlighting a shared commitment to sustainability, green growth, and long-term cooperation on climate and clean energy transitions.
“The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relations, covering trade and investments, follow-up on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), climate action and energy transition, blue economy and ocean governance, research and higher education, Arctic and polar cooperation, space, and talent mobility. They agreed to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, underscoring their shared commitment to sustainability and green growth,” the statement said.
A major outcome of the talks was the commitment to double bilateral trade by 2030 and further strengthen economic engagement under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
The leaders also encouraged increased Norwegian investment in India, targeting USD 100 billion in investments and the creation of one million jobs.
India welcomed Norway’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council, reflecting growing alignment on global governance reforms.
The two leaders also strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and called for coordinated global action to combat the threat.
“The Norwegian Prime Minister reiterated Norway’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and urged concerted global action to deal with the menace,” the statement added.
On maritime cooperation, the leaders welcomed Norway’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, reinforcing their support for a rules-based maritime order.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in the blue economy, including marine ecosystem protection, green shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, and shipbuilding.
“The leaders tasked their teams to deepen cooperation in the blue economy, including marine ecosystem protection, shipbuilding, green shipping, tunneling and infrastructure, space, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, seafarer training, fisheries and aquaculture. They reaffirmed UNCLOS principles and welcomed Norway joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative,” the statement said.
Modi also invited Norway to participate in Bharat Innovates 2026, scheduled to be held in France in June 2026, and proposed the creation of a Start-up Innovation Hub and Green Innovation Hackathon between the two countries.
In addition, both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, space, and critical minerals.
A Joint Working Group on digitalization will also be established to promote cooperation in the digital sector.
The MEA statement said the leaders also discussed collaboration in climate and renewable energy technologies, including carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and offshore wind energy.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation.
Modi also invited Støre to visit India, and both sides agreed to maintain momentum in high-level engagements.
Norway is the fourth stop on Modi’s five-nation tour. He arrived in Oslo after visiting the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
During the visit, Modi will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit. His five-nation tour, which runs from May 15 to 20, will conclude with a visit to Italy. (ANI)
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