PM Modi’s Norway visit saw business talks, royal meetings and a top civilian honour ahead of the India-Nordic Summit focused on technology, defence and green cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a meeting in Oslo ahead of the India-Nordic Summit. (File photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on Tuesday, with India looking to deepen cooperation with Nordic countries in key sectors including sustainability, renewable energy, technology, defence and trade.
The summit comes at a time when India is stepping up engagement with Europe’s northern economies, particularly in areas linked to green transition, innovation and emerging technologies. Leaders from Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden are expected to join PM Modi during the high-level meeting in the Norwegian capital.
Advertisement
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the summit will be attended by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Advertisement
The MEA said the meeting would build on the previous India-Nordic summits held in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022.
“The Summit will build upon the two previous Summits held in Stockholm in April 2018 and in Copenhagen in May 2022, and will impart a more strategic dimension to India’s relationship with the Nordic countries, especially in technology and innovation; green transition and renewable energy; sustainability; blue economy; defence; space and the Arctic,” the ministry said.
Ahead of the summit, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway’s highest civilian honour for foreign Heads of Government.
Reacting to the honour, the Prime Minister said the award reflected the enduring ties between the two countries.
“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.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the award is presented in recognition of outstanding service in the interest of Norway and humanity.
During his visit, PM Modi also met King Harald V at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The two leaders discussed growing cooperation between Indian and Norwegian companies, particularly in the field of new technologies.
The MEA said the India-Norway partnership continues to strengthen on the foundation of shared democratic values and people-centric governance.
“Prime Minister conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the people of India. He appreciated the natural beauty of Norway and underlined that the long-standing friendship between India and Norway continues to grow stronger, anchored in shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and people-centric governance,” the official release stated.
King Harald later hosted a luncheon in honour of PM Modi, who thanked the Norwegian monarch for the hospitality extended during the visit.
PM Modi also visited the historic Akershus Castle in Oslo along with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
On Monday, the Prime Minister attended the India-Norway Business and Research Summit in Oslo, where he highlighted growing economic cooperation between the two countries following the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.
The event saw participation from more than 250 members of Indian and Norwegian business and research communities, including CEOs from over 50 companies. Several agreements between Indian and Norwegian entities were also signed during the summit.
PM Modi arrived in Norway on Monday as part of the fourth leg of his five-nation tour. In a special gesture, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre personally received him at the airport.
Norway’s Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener, India’s Ambassador to Norway Gloria Gangte and senior officials were also present during the reception.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Italy later on Tuesday.
Advertisement
