Oslo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir in Oslo ahead of the third India-Nordic Summit, aimed at deepening India’s strategic engagement with Nordic nations.

The summit brings together the leaders of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, continuing a framework of cooperation first launched in Stockholm in 2018 and expanded in Copenhagen in 2022.

Earlier in the day, Modi also met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, with both countries agreeing to elevate bilateral relations to a “Green Strategic Partnership”.

In a statement shared on X, Modi described the discussions as productive and said the upgraded partnership would strengthen collaboration in areas such as clean energy, sustainable growth, green shipping and the blue economy.

The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in innovation, research, education, healthcare and skill development.

Modi welcomed Norway’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, calling it a significant step toward strengthening maritime cooperation and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

During the visit, India and Norway signed 12 agreements and initiatives spanning climate action, maritime cooperation, technology, digital infrastructure and scientific collaboration.

A major outcome was the adoption of a joint statement formalising the Green Strategic Partnership, which focuses on climate-friendly industrial growth, circular economy initiatives and sustainable development.

The two countries also signed an agreement on the peaceful use and exploration of outer space, paving the way for greater institutional cooperation and investment in the space sector.

Another key initiative launched during the visit was the India-Norway Digital Development Partnership, designed to enhance collaboration on digital public infrastructure, open digital ecosystems and digital public goods. Officials said the partnership would support India’s Digital India initiatives and help expand DPI-based solutions in Global South countries.

In the maritime sector, India confirmed participation in the Nor-Shipping 2027 exhibition with a dedicated India Pavilion, aimed at boosting cooperation in shipbuilding, green shipping technologies and modern port infrastructure.

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The Norway visit forms the fourth leg of Modi’s ongoing five-nation foreign tour, which has already included visits to the UAE, the Netherlands and Sweden.