Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Norway’s highest honour under the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit – the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit – by King Harald V in Oslo on Monday, marking the 32nd international honour received by the Indian Prime Minister during his tenure.
The award was presented during PM Modi’s two-day visit to Norway as part of his ongoing five-nation tour. The Grand Cross is the highest grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and is awarded in recognition of exceptional service towards strengthening ties with Norway and the international community.
Accepting the honour, PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“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. It reflects our shared commitment to global progress,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the award as a “special gesture of friendship” from Norway. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said King Harald V conferred the honour on PM Modi “for his contribution in advancing the India-Norway relationship and his leadership.”
“PM dedicated the honour to the historic ties between India and Norway and described the honour as a reflection of the affection and goodwill between the people of India and Norway,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was established by King Olav V in 1985 and is awarded to both Norwegian and foreign nationals for outstanding service in the interests of Norway and humanity. The insignia features the Cross of St. Olav crafted in gold or silver, with the monogram of King Olav V at its centre.
The honour marks PM Modi’s second international recognition during his ongoing foreign tour. A day earlier, Sweden conferred upon him the “Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross,” the Scandinavian nation’s highest honour for foreign heads of government.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi held restricted and delegation-level talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, where the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a “Green Strategic Partnership.”
According to the MEA, the partnership will strengthen cooperation in areas including clean energy, blue economy, green transition, renewable energy, trade and investment, artificial intelligence, science and technology, education, space, and Arctic cooperation.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre held restricted and delegation-level talks in Oslo. The leaders agreed to elevate India-Norway relations to a Green Strategic Partnership which marks a milestone in advancing collaboration in the areas of clean energy, blue economy and green transition,” Jaiswal said.
The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments and agreed to deepen cooperation in multilateral forums. Norway also conveyed strong support for India’s fight against terrorism.
The MEA noted that both sides highlighted the opportunities emerging from the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in trade, technology collaboration, and job creation.
PM Modi arrived in Oslo after visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden. His Norway visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years and also PM Modi’s first official visit to the Nordic country.
During the visit, PM Modi will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit and hold meetings with Nordic leaders.
The MEA said that the visit is expected to “add fresh vigour to the India-Norway partnership.”
(With agency inputs)
