PM Modi in Norway: Statement on Pahalgam, $100 Billion in Investment, Agreement on Arctic; what happened in Oslo?

Oslo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a visit to Norway. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on Monday with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Støre, focusing on trade and investment, green technology, the blue economy, and other key sectors. Prime Minister Modi, who arrived here from Sweden on a two-day visit, was welcomed at the airport by Norwegian Prime Minister Støre and other top leaders of the Scandinavian nation. This marks PM Modi's first visit to Norway, as well as the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years. During the visit, PM Modi also addressed a joint press conference alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

During this visit, he addressed a joint press conference alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. On this occasion, PM Modi outlined the framework of India-Norway relations. PM Modi appreciated Norway's solidarity with India regarding the Pahalgam attack. He also provided details regarding the agreements concluded between India and Norway.

During a joint press conference in Norway, PM Modi discussed the relations between the two nations. Additionally, he provided details regarding cooperation established in new sectors. Most notably, India and Norway are now poised to forge a 'Green Strategic Partnership.' This initiative encompasses a wide spectrum of areas, ranging from clean energy and climate resilience to the Blue Economy and green shipping.

Why the Mention of Pahalgam?

PM Modi stated, "I am delighted to be visiting Norway. This country stands as a beautiful exemplar of the harmony that exists between nature and human progress. First and foremost, I wish to express my gratitude to the Prime Minister of Norway for the warm and cordial welcome extended to me. Yesterday, on the occasion of Norway's Constitution Day, I—on behalf of the world's largest democracy—extended my heartfelt greetings to the people of Norway, a robust and vibrant democracy. I was originally scheduled to visit Norway last year; however, that trip had to be postponed following a 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. As I visit Norway today, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for that solidarity."

What About Focus on Investment and Jobs?

The Prime Minister remarked, "Today, the world is navigating through a phase characterized by instability and uncertainty. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, conflicts persist in various parts of the globe. Against this backdrop, India and Europe are entering a new 'Golden Era' in their bilateral relations. Last year, a historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) came into effect. This agreement serves as a blueprint for ensuring shared progress and prosperity between India and Norway. The agreement sets a target of attracting $100 billion in investment into India and creating one million jobs over the next 15 years. Today, both of us have taken several significant decisions aimed at translating the promises enshrined in this agreement into tangible outcomes."

Did PM Modi Appeal for Global Peace?

During his address, he also referred to the ongoing conflicts and wars across the world. PM Modi stated, "Today, the world is passing through a phase of instability and uncertainty. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, a situation of conflict persists in several parts of the world." "In this context, India and Europe are entering a new golden era in their relations."

Will Norway Invest $100 Billion in India?

PM Modi also made reference to the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement. He stated that last year, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) implemented a historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement serves as a blueprint for ensuring shared growth and prosperity between India and Norway. The agreement sets a target of generating $100 billion in investment in India and creating one million jobs over the next fifteen years. Today, both sides have taken several significant decisions to operationalize the commitments outlined in this agreement.

"Today, we are giving the India-Norway relationship the form of a 'Green Strategic Partnership.' Through this strategic partnership—spanning every sector from clean energy to climate resilience, and from the Blue Economy to green shipping—our companies will develop global solutions by combining India's scale, speed, and talent with Norway's technology and capital. Research, education, and innovation are also emerging as strong pillars of our relationship. Today, we reached a consensus on enhancing research cooperation in fields such as sustainability, ocean energy, geology, and health," he added.

What Was India-Norway Deal on the Arctic?

PM Modi noted that Norway is a key nation in the Arctic region. We share a long-standing history of cooperation in Arctic and polar research. We are grateful to Norway for its support in the operations of India's Arctic research station, "Himadri." The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) being signed today between ISRO and the Norwegian Space Agency will add new dimensions to our cooperation in the space sector. Through deeper cooperation in all these areas, our scientists will be better equipped to understand climate change, protect fragile ecosystems, and [address] human... They will contribute to securing the future.

Will India and Norway also collaborate on marine research?

He stated that the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Norway will prove beneficial for the entire world. We are delighted that Norway is today joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. As two major maritime nations, we will work together to strengthen cooperation in the marine economy, maritime security, and capacity building. Today, we have concluded a Triangular Development Cooperation Agreement. We will now work jointly to contribute to human development in the countries of the Global South through India's Digital Public Infrastructure projects.