India and Norway have elevated their bilateral relations to a Green Strategic Partnership, signalling a significant boost in collaboration on sustainable development and economic cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced the move during talks in Oslo on Monday.
The partnership focuses on expanding joint efforts in climate technology, renewable energy, the maritime economy, digital infrastructure, innovation, and research. It aims to provide a structured framework for sharing knowledge and resources to advance the green transition, according to the two leaders.
Prime Minister Støre described the agreement as laying the foundation for cooperation based on shared ambitions for sustainability. Prime Minister Modi emphasised both nations’ commitment to sectors that promote sustainable growth and innovation-led progress.
A key element of the discussions was progress under the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). The pact is viewed as central to future economic engagement, with targets of attracting USD 100 billion in investments to India and generating one million jobs over 15 years.
Bilateral trade between India and Norway has doubled in the last decade, and both sides now aim to accelerate economic links further by 2030. Støre hailed the trade agreement as one of the most significant his country has signed, highlighting opportunities for investment, innovation, and employment.
The leaders also addressed global challenges, expressing concern over conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. They reiterated that military force cannot resolve international disputes and voiced support for peaceful resolutions in both regions. In addition, they called for reforms to international institutions to better address current realities.
Discussions extended to multiple sectors, including the blue economy, Arctic research, space, artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, fisheries, shipbuilding, tunnelling, and infrastructure. Cooperation will also strengthen in carbon capture, utilisation and storage, offshore wind energy, and other renewable technologies. Norway has been invited to join future innovation platforms, particularly those focused on start-ups and green technology.
During the India-Norway Business and Research Summit, Prime Minister Modi spotlighted India’s economic growth, demographic strengths, and renewable energy expansion, inviting Norwegian investments in clean energy, health-tech, critical minerals, and start-ups. He also highlighted India’s initiatives in green hydrogen and large-scale energy transition.
The two prime ministers reaffirmed their support for a rules-based international order and cooperation among democracies. Norway reiterated its backing for India’s permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council. Both sides pledged to sustain high-level engagement to broaden strategic and economic collaboration, with a strong emphasis on climate action and technology-driven growth.
