PM Modi in Oslo: First India-Norway PM visit in 43 years to boost ties
Synopsis
For the first time in 43 years, an Indian prime minister has set foot in Norway — and Modi's Oslo visit isn't just a diplomatic courtesy call. With $2.73 billion in bilateral trade, a $28 billion Norwegian pension fund stake in Indian markets, and the India-EFTA agreement on the table, this trip is as much about economic architecture as it is about optics.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo, Norway on 18 May 2025 — the first Indian PM visit to Norway in 43 years .
He was received at the airport by Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store in a special diplomatic gesture.
Modi will meet King Harald V and Queen Sonja and hold bilateral talks with PM Store.
The third India-Nordic Summit is scheduled for 19 May in Oslo.
Bilateral trade stands at approximately $2.73 billion (2024); Norway's GPFG holds close to $28 billion in Indian capital markets.
Key focus areas include the India-EFTA Trade Agreement , clean technology, and the blue economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo, Norway on Monday, 18 May, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the Scandinavian nation in 43 years. Modi expressed confidence that the two-day official visit will deepen the friendship between India and Norway, and was received at the airport by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in a special gesture of welcome.
Key Engagements on the Agenda
During his stay in Oslo, Modi is scheduled to call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja and hold formal bilateral talks with Prime Minister Store. On 19 May, he will participate in the third India-Nordic Summit, where he is expected to engage with leaders from across the Nordic region. Modi and Store will also jointly address the India-Norway Business and Research Summit.
What Modi Said on Arrival
'I have landed in Oslo, Norway. I am grateful for the warm welcome from Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store at the airport. This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in over 40 years. I am confident that the visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Norway,' Modi posted on X.
'I will meet Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja, and hold talks with Prime Minister Store. Tomorrow, the 19th, the third India-Nordic Summit will be held in Oslo. It will be a good opportunity to meet my Nordic colleagues,' he added.
India-Norway Economic Ties in Focus
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described Norway as a 'valued partner' for India and said the visit is set to 'add fresh vigour' to the bilateral partnership. Bilateral trade between the two nations stood at approximately $2.73 billion in 2024, while Norway's Government Pension Fund (GPFG) holds investments of close to $28 billion in the Indian capital market.
The MEA also flagged the importance of capitalising on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, with a focus on clean and green technology and the blue economy as priority areas for deeper collaboration.
Historical Significance of the Visit
Modi arrived in Norway after concluding a visit to Sweden, making this leg a continuation of a broader Nordic outreach. The last Prime Ministerial visit from India to Norway was more than four decades ago, lending this trip considerable diplomatic weight. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted the visit as an opportunity to review progress in bilateral relations and explore avenues to strengthen them further.
This is the third edition of the India-Nordic Summit, a platform that brings together India and the five Nordic nations — Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland — to align on shared priorities including sustainability, innovation, and trade. The summit's return to Oslo underscores the growing strategic interest both sides have in institutionalising this engagement.
Point of View
Particularly via the India-EFTA agreement. The blue economy and clean tech framing is also notable: Norway's sovereign wealth expertise and offshore energy experience are assets India needs as it navigates its own energy transition. Whether this visit produces binding commitments or remains at the level of warm communiqués will be the real measure of its worth.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi's Norway visit historically significant?
This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years, making it a landmark in bilateral diplomatic history. The last such visit took place over four decades ago, lending this trip considerable symbolic and strategic weight.
What is the third India-Nordic Summit?
The India-Nordic Summit is a multilateral platform that brings together India and the five Nordic nations — Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland — to discuss shared priorities such as trade, sustainability, and innovation. The third edition is being held in Oslo on 19 May 2025.
What are the key economic dimensions of the India-Norway relationship?
Bilateral trade between India and Norway stood at approximately $2.73 billion in 2024. Norway's Government Pension Fund (GPFG) holds close to $28 billion in investments in the Indian capital market, making Norway one of India's significant institutional investors.
What agreements or frameworks are expected to be discussed during the visit?
The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is a central focus, alongside collaboration in clean and green technology and the blue economy. The MEA has indicated the visit will explore avenues to strengthen trade, investment, and research ties.
Who did PM Modi meet on arrival in Oslo?
Modi was received at Oslo airport by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in a special gesture. He is also scheduled to call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja during the visit.
