Oslo, March 27: India and Norway held discussions on enhancing bilateral ties and India-Nordic engagement, covering various sectors, including sustainability and climate, innovation and digitalization, shipping and tunneling, and the Arctic.
The talks took place during a meeting between Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Pooja Kapur, and State Secretary, Norway's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik. During the meeting, Kravik recalled his recent visit to India to attend the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Norway stated, "Ms. Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, met with State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, H.E. Mr. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik. Mr. Kravik fondly recalled his recent visit to India for the Raisina Dialogue and said that he saw India as an important partner for Norway in seeking solutions to global challenges."
"The Additional Secretary discussed enhancing bilateral and India-Nordic engagement in diverse sectors, including sustainability and climate, innovation and digitalization, shipping and tunneling, the Arctic, and more. Both sides also discussed the importance of facilitating stronger business engagement, including through the India-EFTA TEPA trade agreement," it added.
Earlier, Kapur met Trine Heimerback, Director General, Head of the Department of International Affairs, at the Norwegian Prime Minister's Office, focusing on bilateral ties. She also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between India and Nordic nations.
"The visit of Ms Pooja Kapur, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, to Norway began with a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she met Director General Ms. Trine Heimerback, Head of the Department of International Affairs," the Indian Embassy in Norway wrote on X.
"The discussions highlighted the importance attached to the relations by both sides and their desire to further strengthen them, including through the India-EFTA TEPA. The Additional Secretary also underscored the importance of enhancing India-Nordic cooperation," it added.
Last month, Secretary (West) at the MEA, Sibi George, held a meeting with State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, in Oslo, discussing strengthening economic ties and boosting investments in green and blue tech sectors.
Following their talks, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X: "During the visit to Oslo, Secretary (West) Sibi George held a productive meeting with State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms. Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad. They discussed deepening India-Norway economic ties after the implementation of India-EFTA-TEPA. They also discussed boosting investments in green and blue tech sectors."
On January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly announced the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (India–EU FTA) at the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi.
Bilateral ties between India and Norway commenced in February 1947. Since then, the two nations have maintained a cordial and friendly relationship. India and Norway respect each other for their shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.