Prime Minister Narendra Modi made historic history on Monday by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Norway in 43 years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral diplomacy. As reported by ANI, PM Modi was personally welcomed by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the Government Guest House in Oslo, with a high-profile welcoming delegation featuring Norway's Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener and India's Ambassador to Norway Gloria Gangte. The visit constitutes the fourth leg of PM Modi's five-nation tour after visits to the UAE, Netherlands and Sweden, with the Prime Minister scheduled to next visit Italy as part of the final leg of his tour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced the elevation of India-Norway ties to a Green Strategic Partnership during their bilateral talks in Oslo. As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders agreed to this special partnership, underscoring their shared commitment to sustainability and green growth. The agreement covers comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, investments, climate action, energy transition, blue economy, ocean governance, research and higher education, Arctic cooperation, space, and talent mobility. The leaders tasked their teams to deepen cooperation in key areas including marine ecosystem protection, shipbuilding, green shipping, tunneling and infrastructure, space, AI, robotics, cyber security, seafarer training, fisheries and aquaculture.
The leaders agreed to double the value of current trade between India and Norway by 2030 and encouraged business representatives to work towards dynamic tie-ups across sectors. As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs, both leaders welcomed greater investments by Norwegian enterprises in India and agreed to encourage business representatives to work towards dynamic tie-ups across sectors to meet the investment commitment of USD 100 billion under TEPA and creation of one million jobs in India. Prime Minister Modi invited Norway to participate in Bharat Innovates 2026 to be held in France in June 2026 and suggested setting up a Start-up Innovation Hub and Green Innovation Hackathon between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Harald V of Norway at the Royal Palace in Oslo on Monday (local time), reaffirming the strong and longstanding ties between India and Norway. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi conveyed greetings and best wishes from the people of India and appreciated Norway's natural beauty during the meeting. The two leaders underlined that the India-Norway partnership continues to deepen, rooted in shared values such as democracy, rule of law and people-centric governance. As reported by ANI, Modi described the conversation as "excellent" on the India-Norway friendship and how both nations can work together across sectors for the benefit of their people.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi and King Harald V discussed the progress made by Indian and Norwegian companies across various sectors, particularly in the field of new technologies. As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussion highlighted the impressive strides made by companies from both nations across diverse sectors, with technology emerging as a key area of mutual interest and collaboration. The conversation focused on how India and Norway can collaborate across sectors to benefit their people, underscoring the commitment of both nations to progress, innovation, and mutual growth.
PM Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway's highest honour under the order by King Harald V. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Grand Cross is the highest grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit and is awarded in recognition of outstanding service and contribution towards strengthening ties with Norway and the international community. This recognition underscores the significant role India plays in Norwegian diplomatic and economic relations. The PMO India described this as "the 32nd international royal honour" and emphasized that receiving such recognition is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of India's rising stature and growing influence across the world under Modi's leadership.
The meeting was followed by a luncheon hosted by King Harald V in honour of Prime Minister Modi, who thanked the Norwegian monarch for the warm hospitality extended to him. As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi is currently in Norway for the fourth leg of his five-nation tour and will head to Italy on May 19. The Norwegian Prime Minister reiterated Norway's support for India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council and both leaders agreed to sustain the momentum of high-level exchanges. The visit also includes participation in the third India-Nordic Summit and critical bilateral discussions.
