Oslo, March 27 (NationPress) India and Norway engaged in crucial dialogues aimed at strengthening their bilateral relations and enhancing India-Nordic collaborations across numerous sectors such as sustainability and climate, innovation and digitalisation, shipping and tunneling, and the Arctic.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Additional Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Pooja Kapur, and Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, State Secretary of Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kravik fondly recalled his recent trip to India for the Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi.

According to a post shared on X by the Indian Embassy in Norway, "Ms. Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, met with State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, H.E. Mr. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik. Mr. Kravik expressed his appreciation for his recent experience in India during the Raisina Dialogue, acknowledging India's role as a vital partner for Norway in addressing global challenges."

"The Additional Secretary emphasized the need for enhancing bilateral and India-Nordic engagements across various domains, including sustainability and climate, innovation and digitalisation, shipping and tunneling, and the Arctic. Both parties also deliberated on the significance of fostering stronger business relations, especially through the India-EFTA TEPA trade agreement," it added.

Previously, Kapur had a meeting with Trine Heimerback, Director General and Head of the International Affairs Department at Norway's Prime Minister's Office, where they discussed bilateral relations. She highlighted the necessity of boosting cooperation between India and Nordic countries.

"Ms. Pooja Kapur's visit to Norway began with a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she met Director General Ms. Trine Heimerback, who leads the Department of International Affairs," stated the Indian Embassy in Norway via X.

"The discussions underscored the mutual importance both sides place on their relationship and their desire to enhance it, including through the India-EFTA TEPA. The Additional Secretary also highlighted the significance of fostering India-Nordic cooperation," it added.

Last month, Secretary (West) at the MEA, Sibi George, engaged in a meeting with Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, State Secretary of Norway's Ministry of Trade and Industry, in Oslo. They explored ways to strengthen economic connections and promote investments in green and blue tech sectors.

After their discussions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted on X: "During his visit to Oslo, Secretary (West) Sibi George had a productive meeting with State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms. Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad. They discussed ways to deepen India-Norway economic ties following the implementation of the India-EFTA-TEPA. They also aimed to enhance investments in the green and blue tech sectors."

On January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly announced the finalization of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (India–EU FTA) during the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi.

The bilateral relationship between India and Norway began in February 1947. Since then, the two nations have developed a warm and friendly rapport, built on shared values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.