Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met King Harald V of Norway at the Royal Palace in Oslo during his visit to the Nordic nation, with the two sides highlighting the growing India-Norway partnership in areas ranging from technology and innovation to business and sustainable development.
During the audience, PM Modi conveyed greetings and best wishes from the people of India and appreciated Norway’s natural beauty. He underlined that the longstanding friendship between India and Norway continues to deepen, anchored in shared democratic values, rule of law, and people-centric governance.
PM Modi and King Harald V also discussed the growing role of Indian and Norwegian companies across several sectors, particularly in emerging technologies and innovation-driven industries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi highlighted India’s rapid transformation and the expanding opportunities available for Norwegian businesses and technology partners.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi had an audience with His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. PM highlighted India’s rapid transformation and the emerging opportunities it offers for Norwegian businesses and partners in technology and innovation,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
The audience was followed by a luncheon hosted by King Harald V in honour of PM Modi at the Royal Palace. The Prime Minister thanked the Norwegian monarch for the warm hospitality extended to him during the visit.
In a special ceremony held in Oslo, King Harald V also conferred upon PM Modi the “Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit,” Norway’s highest honour awarded to foreign Heads of Government.
The award is presented in recognition of outstanding service in the interest of Norway and humanity and marks the 32nd international honour received by PM Modi during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Accepting the honour, PM Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and to 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. It reflects our shared commitment to global progress,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Jaiswal described the award as “a special gesture of friendship” and said it recognised PM Modi’s contribution to advancing India-Norway relations and his global 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,” he added.
The MEA said the conferment symbolises the strong bonds of goodwill between the two nations and is expected to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in the years ahead.
