Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Norway’s highest honor, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, by King Harald V in Oslo. This accolade, the 32nd global honor for PM Modi and the second on his current five-nation tour, follows Sweden’s recent conferral of the Royal Order of the Polar Star. Expressing gratitude, PM Modi emphasized the enduring friendship between India and Norway and their joint commitment to global progress.
The recognition of PM Modi’s accomplishments, coupled with his impactful speeches in foreign parliaments, highlights India’s emergence as a leader in the Global South. It also underscores his active role on the global stage, positioning him as one of India’s most dynamic leaders. In Oslo, PM Modi engaged in discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and global challenges.
During the meeting, both leaders agreed to bolster cooperation between India and Norway across various sectors, including trade, investment, blue economy, renewable energy, education, science, technology, AI, space, and the Arctic. They also decided to elevate the India-Norway relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership, emphasizing collaboration in clean energy, blue economy, and green transition. The leaders explored opportunities presented by the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in trade, technology collaboration, and job creation.
PM Modi’s visit to Norway, his first ever, includes participation in the third India-Nordic Summit and bilateral engagements. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years, is expected to inject new energy into the partnership between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of PM Modi’s visit in strengthening the ties between India and Norway.
