Oslo, May 19: Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Monday called for stronger India-Norway cooperation to defend a rules-based international order amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing protectionist trends.
Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Oslo, Store said both countries must resist attempts to use diplomacy, trade and technology as instruments of pressure in international relations.
“We have to stand up against those who weaponise diplomacy, trade and technology,” Store said, warning that increasing geopolitical tensions and protectionism make democratic cooperation more critical than ever.
He stressed the importance of maintaining a rules-based global system and noted that India and Norway had exchanged views on key global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Store welcomed the direct engagement between Indian and Norwegian diplomats in addressing complex geopolitical developments and said sustained dialogue remains essential.
Acknowledging that India and Norway may not agree on every issue, the Norwegian Prime Minister said both nations manage differences through democratic processes and mutual respect.
He emphasised that shared commitments to democracy and cooperation outweigh policy differences and argued that collaboration delivers stronger outcomes than unilateral approaches or isolation.
According to Store, the current global environment marked by uncertainty, conflict and polarisation underscores the need to deepen partnerships among democratic nations with shared interests and common principles.
He described Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Oslo as strategically significant and reflective of the growing depth of India-Norway relations.
Store said the two countries, despite differences in geography, size and history, have substantial opportunities to expand cooperation and benefit from closer engagement.
He highlighted the signing of multiple agreements during the visit aimed at advancing bilateral collaboration across key sectors.
The Norwegian Prime Minister also confirmed that India and Norway are elevating their relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership, creating a framework for closer collaboration in sustainability and green transition initiatives.
The partnership, he said, will help both countries combine knowledge, resources and shared ambitions to accelerate climate and energy transition goals.
