Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued his high-level diplomatic engagements in Oslo on Tuesday, meeting Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations as part of his ongoing visit to Norway. The discussions were part of a broader effort to deepen India’s engagement with Nordic countries across multiple strategic sectors.
The meeting was attended by senior Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other top representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs, reflecting the importance of the discussions.
Earlier the same day, Prime Minister Modi also held talks with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, further expanding India’s diplomatic outreach during the visit. These engagements are part of a two-day stay in Norway, where the Prime Minister is attending the third India-Nordic Summit along with several bilateral meetings.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit builds on earlier editions held in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022. It aims to give a stronger strategic direction to India’s relations with Nordic countries, focusing on areas such as technology, innovation, renewable energy, sustainability, the blue economy, defence cooperation, space exploration, and Arctic research.
On Monday, Prime Minister Modi participated in the India-Norway Business and Research Summit in Oslo, where he highlighted growing economic momentum following the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. The agreement is expected to open new opportunities in trade, investment, and technology collaboration.
Upon his arrival in Norway, PM Modi was welcomed in a special gesture by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who received him at the airport. Senior diplomats, including India’s Ambassador to Norway Gloria Gangte and Norway’s Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener, were also present during the reception.
During their bilateral talks, both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, circular economy, education, artificial intelligence, space, and Arctic studies. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, reaffirming support for international peace and cooperation.
Indian officials noted that both sides see significant opportunities emerging from the India-EFTA trade agreement, particularly in boosting investment flows, technological collaboration, and job creation. Norway also expressed support for India’s efforts in addressing global security challenges, including terrorism.
In a separate engagement, Prime Minister Modi met King Harald V at the Royal Palace in Oslo, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation between companies from both countries in emerging technologies and innovation-driven sectors.
As a recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties, PM Modi was conferred with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, one of Norway’s highest honors awarded to foreign heads of government.
