Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway marked a major milestone in India’s growing engagement with the Nordic region, with both countries elevating bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in green energy, maritime industries, space technology, research, trade and sustainable development. The Oslo visit, part of PM Modi’s ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour, also carried historic significance as it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over four decades.
During the visit, PM Modi held extensive talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and met King Harald V and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation, technological partnerships and strategic collaboration amid shifting global geopolitical and energy dynamics.
One of the biggest highlights of the visit was the decision by India and Norway to elevate their relationship into a “Green Strategic Partnership.” The two countries announced cooperation across renewable energy, climate action, green shipping, fisheries, carbon capture, Arctic research and clean technologies. Agreements were also signed in areas such as outer space cooperation, health research and emerging technologies.
At the India-Norway Business and Research Summit in Oslo, PM Modi interacted with leading Norwegian business leaders, investors and researchers. He highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation, expanding digital infrastructure and manufacturing growth, while inviting Norwegian companies to increase investments in India. Major Norwegian firms from sectors such as energy, shipping, healthcare technology and sustainability participated in the summit.
Addressing the business community, PM Modi emphasized that “there is no better time than now” to invest in India, pointing to the country’s growing market, policy reforms and infrastructure expansion. Norway’s sovereign wealth fund — one of the world’s largest investment funds — is expected to play a greater role in India’s infrastructure and green energy sectors in the future.
A major symbolic moment during the visit came when PM Modi was conferred Norway’s highest civilian honour — the “Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.” The award, presented in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Norway ties and promote global cooperation, became the 32nd international honour conferred upon him by a foreign nation.
The visit also included the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, where PM Modi met leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Discussions focused on clean energy, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, maritime cooperation and resilient supply chains. India’s outreach to Nordic countries is increasingly seen as strategically important because these nations are global leaders in sustainability, advanced technologies and green innovation.
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi also held bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Talks with Iceland focused on fisheries, geothermal energy, sustainability and the blue economy, while discussions with Denmark and Finland centred around green partnerships, digital technologies and innovation cooperation. Geopolitical issues also featured prominently during the Norway visit. PM Modi reiterated India’s position that conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre acknowledged India’s energy needs and emphasized the importance of cooperation among countries committed to a rules-based international order.
Overall, PM Modi’s Norway visit significantly strengthened India’s ties with the Nordic region and reinforced India’s growing role as a major global partner in green transition, technology, trade and sustainable development.