Narendra Modi and his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store held talks on Monday on a wide range of issues, in which both the leaders called for resolving tensions in Ukraine and West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders held talks on Monday with a focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as clean energy, climate change resilience, blue economy, green transportation, digital technology, space and Arctic research.

In his televised message, PM Modi said, “Both India and Norway believe in the rules-based system, dialogue and diplomacy. We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone.” He said, “Whether it is Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support all efforts for an early end to the conflict and peace.” Discussing India-Norway relations in detail, Modi said that these relations are being elevated to the level of green strategic partnership.

This new golden era of India-Europe relations

PM Modi said, “Through this strategic partnership, our companies will develop global solutions in various sectors – from clean energy to climate adaptation, and from blue economy to green shipping, combining India’s scale, speed and talent with Norway’s technology and capital.” The Prime Minister said that the ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ will be beneficial for the entire world. The Prime Minister also mentioned the boom in India-Europe relations and described it as the “golden era” of relations. He said, “Today the world is going through a period of instability and uncertainty. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, conflicts are going on in many parts of the world. At such a time, India and Europe are entering a new golden era in their relations.” Modi also praised Norway for standing strongly with India after the Pahalgam terrorist attack last year. 26 people were killed in this attack.

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Modi said: Norway supported in crisis

Modi said, “I was supposed to come to Norway last year, but due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I had to postpone my visit. In that difficult time, Norway set an example of true friendship by standing firmly with India against terrorism.” Modi said, “Today during my visit to Norway, I express my heartfelt gratitude for that solidarity.” In his address, the Prime Minister also stressed the need for reform in global institutions.

Roadmap for 100 billion dollar investment

PM Modi said, “We agree that reform of global institutions is necessary to deal with the growing global challenges. It is our common commitment to root out terrorism in all its forms.” The Prime Minister met the store just hours after reaching Oslo. PM Modi also mentioned the trade and economic partnership agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association and described it as a blueprint to ensure shared progress and prosperity. He said that under this agreement, 100 billion US dollars will be invested in India in the next 15 years and one million jobs will be created. PM Modi stressed the goal of doubling bilateral trade between India and Norway by 2030. Both the leaders noted the potential in defense cooperation and defense industrial cooperation.

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India-Norway cooperation in digital and AI

The Prime Minister said both sides have agreed to deepen cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, marine energy, geology and health, and also to connect universities and start-up ecosystem in areas such as engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), cyber and digital technologies. He said that cooperation in skill development and talent transfer will expand further. Highlighting Arctic cooperation, Modi described Norway as an important country in the Arctic region and thanked it for its support in running India’s Arctic research center “Himadri”.

India-Norway showed strong solidarity on terrorism

A joint statement said the two Prime Ministers have unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. “The leaders called for decisive and coordinated international efforts to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and safe havens, and to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner in accordance with international law,” it said. “The two leaders reiterated their commitment to take strong and coordinated action against terrorists and terrorist groups, including those listed under the UN Security Council 1267 sanctions regime and their affiliates, representatives, sponsors, supporters and financiers,” the statement said.

PM Modi’s investment invitation

“They reaffirmed their strong commitment to continue taking proactive measures to disrupt terrorism financing channels, including through the United Nations and FATF,” the statement said. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in multilateral fora and exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Storr reiterated Norway’s support for UN Security Council reform and India’s permanent membership. Prime Minister Modi invited Norwegian companies to visit India. Modi invited Norwegian companies to invest in India and highlighted the reforms undertaken by the country in tax regime, labor code and governance as well as reducing the compliance burden. At the India-Norway Business and Research Summit, the Prime Minister said that the foundation of partnership between the two countries is very strong.