Oslo, May 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received Norway’s highest honour for foreign heads of government, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, during his official visit to Oslo, marking the second international recognition of his ongoing five-nation tour.
The honour was conferred by King Harald V and marks the 32nd international award received by the Prime Minister. The recognition comes a day after Sweden awarded Modi the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross.
Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and described it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between India and Norway.
“Honoured to receive the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. This honour is dedicated to the people of India and is a tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Norway,” Modi said.
Diplomatic observers view the recognition as reflective of India’s expanding global profile and growing engagement with key international partners.
During the visit, Modi held both restricted and delegation-level talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, with discussions spanning bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, aimed at expanding collaboration in clean energy, green transition and the blue economy.
The leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, circular economy, education, science and technology, artificial intelligence, space and Arctic research.
Both sides also highlighted opportunities emerging from the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in trade expansion, technology collaboration and job creation.
The Norwegian leadership expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism, while both countries agreed to strengthen engagement in multilateral forums and continue coordination on regional and global issues.
Modi’s Norway visit is strategically significant as it marks his first trip to the country and the first prime ministerial visit from India to Norway in 43 years.
During the two-day visit, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to participate in the third India-Nordic Summit and hold further bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening India’s partnership with Nordic nations.
The MEA said the visit is expected to add fresh momentum to India-Norway relations and deepen cooperation across economic and strategic sectors.
