India and Norway discuss bilateral ties and evolving global priorities
New Delhi, June 15
India and Norway on Monday held discussions on evolving global priorities and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
The discussions were held during a meeting between Norway's Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener and Aparna Ray, the Joint Secretary for Policy Planning and Research at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
"Pleased to meet Aparna Ray Joint Secretary (Policy Planning and Research), MEA. We discussed evolving global priorities and ways to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between Norway and India. I look forward to continuing our close cooperation," the Norwegian Ambassador to India posted on X.
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day official visit to Norway, where he participated in the India-Nordic Summit and also held bilateral engagements.
PM Modi held a meeting with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo. The two leaders upgraded bilateral partnership to a Green Strategic Partnership and spoke about strengthening ties in innovation, research, education, healthcare, skill development and other sectors.
"Held fruitful talks with PM Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo. One of the key highlights was the upgrading of our bilateral partnership to a Green Strategic Partnership, which will deepen synergy in clean energy, sustainable growth, the blue economy, green shipping and more. We also talked about boosting linkages in innovation, research, education, healthcare, skill development and more. It is gladdening to see Norway join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative," PM Modi posted on X.
PM Modi and Jonas Gahr Store also participated in the Business and Research Summit. During the summit, PM Modi spoke about India's reform trajectory and invited Norway to invest in clean energy initiatives.
"At the Oslo City Hall, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and I took part in the Business and Research Summit. It was good to interact with those active in the world of business and research. Our nations can collaborate extensively in areas like food security, fertilisers, fisheries and energy. I invited Norway to invest in India's clean energy initiatives. Also talked about India's reform trajectory. An area like shipbuilding too presents unlimited possibilities," PM Modi wrote on X.
During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with Norway's top honour, the 'Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit', by King Harald V in Oslo. This marked the 32nd global honour conferred upon PM Modi.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Beautiful to see India's diplomatic outreach expanding beyond traditional partners. Norway is a leader in sustainable development, and this partnership could help India leapfrog in clean technology. Research collaboration and healthcare are also promising areas. Looking forward to tangible outcomes from these talks.
PM Modi getting the 'Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit' is a big deal! This shows Norway's respect for India's leadership on global issues like climate change and clean energy. The Green Strategic Partnership with focus on blue economy and green shipping aligns perfectly with India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision. Well done!
While diplomatic gestures are nice, I hope these talks lead to concrete benefits for ordinary citizens. How will this partnership create jobs or reduce pollution in Indian cities? The green economy sounds great on paper, but implementation needs focus. Let's see if Norway's clean technology actually makes it to our streets.
India-Norway cooperation on Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative is a welcome step. Given Norway's maritime expertise and India's strategic location, this can enhance regional stability. Green shipping corridors could reduce emissions in global trade routes. Good to see India building diverse partnerships on its own terms. 👏
The Business and Research Summit component is promising. India's reform trajectory - GST, ease of doing business, renewable energy targets - makes us an attractive partner. Norway's investments in clean energy could help India meet its ambitious 500 GW renewable target by 2030. More such innovation-driven partnerships are needed.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.