Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the newly announced India-Norway Green Strategic Partnership would not only deepen bilateral ties but also contribute to global progress in areas ranging from clean energy and climate resilience to maritime security and sustainable development.
Addressing a joint press statement alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, PM Modi described Norway as “a beautiful example of harmony between nature and human progress” and thanked the Norwegian leadership for the warm welcome during his historic visit – the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in more than four decades.
Extending greetings ahead of Norway’s Constitution Day, PM Modi said, “On the important occasion of Norway’s Constitution Day tomorrow, I extend my heartiest wishes to the people of a strong and vibrant democracy like Norway, on behalf of the world’s largest democracy.”
Referring to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that led to the postponement of his earlier planned visit, the Prime Minister thanked Norway for standing with India during a difficult period.
“I was scheduled to visit Norway last year, but that visit had to be postponed due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During that difficult time, Norway showed true friendship by standing firmly with India against terrorism. Today, as I visit Norway, I express my heartfelt gratitude for that solidarity,” he said.
Highlighting the evolving global geopolitical situation, PM Modi said the world is currently facing instability and uncertainty due to ongoing conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and West Asia.
“Today, the world is passing through a phase of instability and uncertainty. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, a situation of conflict persists in many parts of the world. In such times, India and Europe are entering a new golden era of their relations,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, calling it “a blueprint for ensuring shared progress and prosperity between India and Norway.”
“This agreement aims to create $100 billion in investments and one million jobs in India over the next fifteen years. Today, we both have taken several important decisions to turn the promise of this agreement into outcomes,” PM Modi said.
Announcing the elevation of bilateral relations, PM Modi said, “Today, we are shaping India-Norway relations into a Green Strategic Partnership.”
“Through this strategic partnership, our companies will develop global solutions by combining India’s scale, speed, and talent with Norway’s technology and capital across every sector—from clean energy to climate resilience, and from the blue economy to green shipping,” he added.
The Prime Minister said research, education and innovation would become major pillars of the relationship going forward. He noted that both sides had agreed to enhance cooperation in sustainability, ocean energy, geology and healthcare.
“In sectors like engineering, AI, cyber, and digital, we will make our partnership future-ready by connecting our universities and start-up ecosystems. Our cooperation in skill development and talent mobility is also going to become more comprehensive,” PM Modi said.
Recognising Norway’s strategic role in the Arctic region, the Prime Minister highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in Arctic and polar research.
“We are grateful to Norway for the operation of India’s Arctic research station, ‘Himadri.’ The MoU being signed today between ISRO and the Norwegian Space Agency will also give new dimensions to our space cooperation,” he said.
“Through deep cooperation in all these areas, our scientists will contribute to understanding climate change, protecting fragile ecosystems, and securing the human future,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Norway’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, saying, “The Green Strategic Partnership between India and Norway will be beneficial for the entire world. We are very happy that Norway is joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative today.”
“As two major maritime nations, we will work together to strengthen cooperation in the marine economy, maritime security, and capacity building,” he said.
PM Modi also announced the signing of a Triangular Development Cooperation Agreement aimed at supporting nations in the Global South.
“Today, we have signed a Triangular Development Cooperation Agreement. Now, together, we will contribute to human development in the countries of the Global South through India’s Digital Public Infrastructure projects,” he said.
On global conflicts and diplomacy, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for peaceful resolution through dialogue and international cooperation.
“Both India and Norway believe in a rules-based order, dialogue, and diplomacy. We are unanimous that no issue can be resolved through military conflict. Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we support, and will continue to support, an early end to conflict and every effort toward peace,” he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for reforming global institutions and strengthening the global fight against terrorism.
“We also agree that the reform of global institutions is imperative to address growing global challenges. And eradicating every form of terrorism from its roots is our shared commitment,” PM Modi said.
Concluding his remarks, PM Modi underlined the expanding scope of India-Norway cooperation.
“From the Arctic to outer space, from green shipping to the blue economy, and from energy security to food security, our cooperation is touching new frontiers. Let us write a new chapter of a trusted, futuristic, and long-term partnership through our Green Strategic Partnership,” he said.
