Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 18 May announced the elevation of India-Norway relations to a Green Strategic Partnership following a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo. The upgraded partnership aims to combine India's scale, speed, and talent with Norway's technology and capital to develop global solutions across clean energy, climate resilience, the blue economy, and green shipping.

Key Developments from Oslo

Addressing a joint media interaction alongside Prime Minister Store, Modi said both nations share a commitment to a rules-based international order, dialogue, and diplomacy. 'We agree that military conflict cannot resolve any issue,' Modi stated, adding that India supports 'every effort for an early end to conflict and peace' — whether in Ukraine or West Asia. He also underlined a shared resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms.

The two leaders also agreed that reform of global institutions is essential to address growing international challenges — a position India has consistently advanced in multilateral forums including the G20.

Trade Agreement as the Blueprint

Modi pointed to the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement — implemented last year — as the foundational framework for the new partnership. Under that agreement, there is a target of attracting USD 100 billion in investment into India and creating one million jobs over the next 15 years. 'This agreement is a blueprint for ensuring shared progress and prosperity between India and Norway,' Modi said. He described Monday's decisions as concrete steps to convert the agreement's promises into outcomes.

Space and Arctic Cooperation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Norwegian Space Agency, which Modi said would give 'a new dimension' to bilateral space cooperation. He also expressed gratitude to Norway for its continued support to India's Arctic research station Himadri, noting the two countries have maintained long-standing collaboration in Arctic and polar research. Modi said deeper scientific collaboration would help 'understand climate change, protect fragile ecosystems and secure humanity's future.'

Broader Context: India and Europe's 'New Golden Era'

Modi framed the Oslo visit within a broader geopolitical shift, describing the current moment as India and Europe entering a 'new golden era' in their relationship — even as the world navigates what he called 'a phase of instability and uncertainty.' This comes amid India's active diplomatic outreach across Europe in 2025, with New Delhi deepening ties with multiple partners on trade, technology, and climate. The Green Strategic Partnership with Norway is the latest in a series of such frameworks India has established with European nations.

The two governments are expected to operationalise the partnership's sectoral roadmaps in the coming months, with clean energy and green shipping likely to see early-mover activity.