Oslo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit Norway’s highest civilian honour during his two-day official visit to Oslo, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over 40 years.
The Grand Cross, awarded for exceptional service in strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation, is the top grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. With this, Modi has now received 32 international honours from countries across the world.
Describing India’s partnership with Norway as “trusted, futuristic, and long-term,” Modi acknowledged Oslo’s support following the Pahalgam terror attack. “I was scheduled to visit Norway last year, but that trip had to be postponed due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During that difficult period, Norway demonstrated the true spirit of friendship by standing firmly alongside India in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
Modi also pointed to the broader global context shaping the bilateral relationship. “The world today is passing through instability and uncertainty. Against this backdrop, India and Europe are entering a new ‘Golden Era’ in their relationship,” he said.
He highlighted the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement signed between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which came into effect last year. “The agreement sets a target of 100 billion dollars of investments in India and creating one million jobs over the next 15 years,” Modi said, describing it as a blueprint for shared growth between India and Norway.
Earlier in the day, Modi thanked Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre for receiving him at the airport. “I am grateful for the warm welcome from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the airport. I am confident that the visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Norway,” he wrote on X, adding that he would meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja during the visit.
Bilateral talks between the two prime ministers took place at the Government Guest House in Oslo. The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George. Norway was represented by Health and Care Services Minister Jan Christian Vestre and Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
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Modi arrived in Oslo as the fourth leg of his five-nation tour, having previously visited the UAE, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Italy remains the final stop.
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