Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 18 May announced the elevation of the India-Norway bilateral relationship into a Green Strategic Partnership, describing it as one that will be “beneficial for the entire world.” Speaking alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at a joint press statement in Oslo, Modi also confirmed that Norway has agreed to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

What the Green Strategic Partnership Covers

The newly announced partnership is designed to combine India’s scale, speed, and talent with Norway’s technology and capital across sectors ranging from clean energy and climate resilience to the blue economy and green shipping. Modi stated that the framework would enable companies from both nations to “develop global solutions.”

The partnership builds on the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement signed last year, which targets $100 billion in investment and one million jobs in India over the next 15 years. Modi described that agreement as “a blueprint for ensuring shared progress and prosperity between India and Norway.”

Norway Joins the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative

Norway’s entry into the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative was among the significant announcements of the visit. As two major maritime nations, India and Norway agreed to strengthen cooperation in the marine economy, maritime security, and capacity building. A triangular development cooperation agreement was also signed, through which both countries will contribute to human development in Global South nations using India’s digital public infrastructure projects.

Space Cooperation and Arctic Research

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between 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 supporting the operations of India’s Arctic research station Himadri, noting longstanding cooperation in Arctic and polar research. Modi said deeper collaboration in these fields would help scientists understand climate change and protect fragile ecosystems.

Pahalgam Terror Attack and Bilateral Solidarity

Modi acknowledged that his visit to Norway had originally been scheduled for the previous year but was postponed following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir in April. He thanked Norway for expressing solidarity with India during that period, calling it “true friendship.”

“During that difficult time, Norway stood firmly with India against terrorism, demonstrating true friendship. Today, as I visit Norway, I express my heartfelt gratitude for that solidarity,” Modi said.

Research and Scientific Cooperation

India and Norway also agreed to enhance research cooperation in sustainability, ocean energy, geology, and health. Modi noted that the two countries are entering what he characterised as a “new golden era” in India-Europe relations, with the current visit translating earlier commitments into concrete outcomes.

With the Green Strategic Partnership now formalised, both governments are expected to move toward sector-specific implementation frameworks in the months ahead.