India and Norway on Monday agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship into a Green Strategic Partnership, marking a major expansion of cooperation across climate technology, renewable energy, maritime economy, digital systems and innovation, alongside a renewed push for trade and investment under the India-EFTA agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre made the announcement in Oslo after wide-ranging talks that also reaffirmed a shared commitment to a rules-based global order and called for reform of international institutions.
GREEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AT CORE OF NEW TIES
The centrepiece of the discussions was the decision to upgrade ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, aimed at building long-term cooperation in clean energy, green technology, maritime services, healthcare systems, digital infrastructure and research.
“We are elevating our relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership, which provides a foundation to work together on knowledge, resources, and ambitions for the green transition,” said Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Prime Minister Modi said both countries are committed to expanding cooperation in sectors that support sustainable growth and innovation-driven development.
TRADE PACT AND INVESTMENT PUSH UNDER TEPA
The leaders also reviewed progress under the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, which both sides described as a cornerstone for future economic engagement.
PM Modi said the agreement carries a target of USD 100 billion in investment into India and creation of one million jobs over 15 years.
Trade between India and Norway has doubled over the past decade, and both sides have now set an ambition to further accelerate economic ties by 2030.
Støre called the agreement “one of the most important trade agreements we have ever signed”, adding that it opens “major opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation”.
COMMON POSITION ON GLOBAL CONFLICTS
Both leaders expressed concern over ongoing global instability, particularly conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, and reiterated that military force cannot resolve international disputes.
“We agree that no solution can be found on any issue through military conflict,” PM Modi said.
“We support every step towards peace in Ukraine as well as in West Asia,” he added.
The two sides also stressed the need for reform of global institutions to reflect contemporary challenges.
BROADER COOPERATION ACROSS KEY SECTORS
The talks covered cooperation in blue economy, Arctic research, space, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, fisheries, shipbuilding, tunnelling and infrastructure development.
Both countries also agreed to strengthen collaboration in carbon capture, utilisation and storage, offshore wind energy and renewable technologies.
Norway was also invited to participate in future innovation initiatives, including start-up-focused platforms and green technology exchanges.
TRADE, TECHNOLOGY AND GREEN GROWTH AGENDA
During the India-Norway Business and Research Summit, PM Modi highlighted India’s growth trajectory, demographic advantage and expanding renewable energy sector, while encouraging Norwegian investment in clean energy, health-tech, critical minerals and start-ups.
He also underscored India’s push towards green hydrogen, grid expansion and energy transition at scale.
Støre said India and Norway share strong complementarities in green transition and industrial innovation.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT AND FUTURE ROADMAP
The leaders reaffirmed support for a rules-based global order and stressed cooperation among democracies sharing common values.
Norway reiterated support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
Both sides agreed to maintain high-level engagement and continue expanding collaboration across strategic and economic domains, setting the stage for a deeper phase in India-Norway relations anchored in climate action and technology-led growth.
– Ends
Published By:
Sonali Verma
Published On:
May 18, 2026 23:30 IST
