New Delhi witnessed a significant diplomatic exchange as Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre commended India’s rapid pace of economic reforms during a meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Speaking on February 18, Støre expressed keen anticipation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Norway later this year.
The Norwegian leader highlighted immense potential for collaboration between the two nations in key sectors such as fisheries, health technology, maritime affairs, and space exploration. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Indian diaspora thriving in Norway.
According to a statement from the Finance Ministry, discussions delved into the implementation of the EFTA and TEPA agreements. Both sides outlined a roadmap for cooperation encompassing high-tech manufacturing, carbon capture and storage, startups, semiconductors, renewable energy, and waste management.
Sitharaman’s itinerary in Oslo included productive meetings with Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth and State Secretary for Fisheries and Ocean Policy Ivan Tronstad Sjøbakken. Conversations focused on green technology, rare earth processing, maritime and shipping industries, and fisheries under the EFTA and TEPA frameworks.
Myrseth voiced excitement about PM Modi’s visit, while Sjøbakken praised India’s pivotal role in Norway’s maritime sector. Sitharaman emphasized that effective TEPA implementation would yield mutual benefits and called for timely execution.
The Finance Minister also engaged with over 35 top CEOs and investors in a roundtable, positioning India as an attractive investment hub and the world’s fastest-growing major economy. She noted that the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27 underscores India’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens for citizens and businesses.