Oslo, May 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Monday elevated bilateral relations to a Green Strategic Partnership, signalling a stronger focus on sustainable growth, trade expansion and technology-led cooperation.
During talks in Oslo, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relations, including trade and investment, implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), climate action, energy transition, blue economy, higher education, Arctic cooperation, space and talent mobility.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders acknowledged significant potential to deepen economic and commercial engagement and underlined the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed greater investments by Norwegian companies in India, while both sides encouraged stronger business collaboration to support the USD 100 billion investment commitment and one million job creation target under TEPA.
The leaders directed officials to expand cooperation across emerging and strategic sectors, including marine ecosystem protection, shipbuilding, green shipping, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, fisheries and seafarer training.
They reaffirmed support for principles under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and welcomed Norway’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Modi also invited Norway to participate in Bharat Innovates 2026 in France and proposed establishing a bilateral Start-up Innovation Hub and Green Innovation Hackathon to strengthen innovation-led partnerships.
On climate and clean energy, the two sides called for deeper collaboration in advanced technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), offshore wind and renewable energy investments.
The leaders agreed to intensify cooperation in Arctic and polar research while promoting environmentally responsible practices and expanding joint research in renewable energy, climate science, critical minerals, health and digital technologies.
In higher education, India and Norway agreed to explore joint degree programmes, mutual recognition of qualifications and increased mobility for students and faculty.
The discussions also covered regional and global developments, with Norway reiterating support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and called for coordinated international action against the threat.
They additionally identified opportunities in defence and defence industrial cooperation and agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Digitalisation to advance digital transition and explore cooperation in digital public goods.
The visit began with Norwegian Prime Minister Store personally receiving Modi at Oslo Airport, a gesture reflecting the growing warmth in bilateral ties.
