Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held restricted and delegation-level talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, with the two countries agreeing to elevate bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership aimed at expanding cooperation in clean energy, blue economy and sustainable development.
The discussions took place during PM Modi’s first visit to Norway and the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to the Nordic nation in more than four decades.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, renewable energy, circular economy, education, science and technology, artificial intelligence, space and the Arctic region.
In a post on X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the decision to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership marked a significant milestone in advancing collaboration on green transition initiatives.
The leaders also discussed opportunities arising from the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in trade expansion, technology collaboration and job creation.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments, with Norwegian Prime Minister Støre expressing strong support for India and the international community’s fight against terrorism. Both countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in multilateral forums.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Støre for personally receiving him at the airport in Oslo. Calling the visit historic, PM Modi said he was confident it would add “vigour” to India-Norway friendship.
During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja and participate in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19, where he will meet leaders from Nordic countries.
The Prime Minister also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Norway and attended cultural performances showcasing India’s artistic traditions.
In a post on X, PM Modi praised the “Rhythms of India” presentation, which featured classical dance forms including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam and Sattriya.
He also appreciated the Natiyalaya Dance School in Norway for promoting Indian cultural traditions for nearly three decades and lauded a collaborative musical performance titled “Saath Saath” presented by the Barratt Due Music Institute, which blended Indian and Western classical music traditions.
The Indian community in Norway accorded a warm reception to PM Modi, with colourful cultural performances reflecting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.
