Indian Diaspora Gives Grand Welcome to PM Modi in Norway During Historic Visit

Oslo, May 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the Indian community in Norway after arriving in Oslo for a two-day State visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Nordic nation in more than four decades.

Hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora gathered to greet the Prime Minister with Indian flags, traditional music and loud chants of “Modi Modi” as he arrived at an interaction venue in Oslo shortly after landing in the Norwegian capital.

The atmosphere turned festive as members of the community showcased Indian culture through music and dance performances organised in honour of the visiting Prime Minister. PM Modi greeted the gathering warmly, interacted with members of the diaspora and appreciated the efforts of artists who had prepared special cultural performances for the occasion.

Among the highlights of the welcome event was a Bharatanatyam performance by young girls dressed in traditional Indian attire. The Prime Minister interacted with the performers and exchanged a few words with them, drawing applause from the audience present at the venue.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi was personally received at the airport by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in what was described as a special diplomatic gesture. Senior officials, including Norway’s Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener and India’s Ambassador to Norway Gloria Gangte, were also present during the reception.

PM Modi later shared his thoughts on social media platform X, expressing gratitude for the welcome extended to him and voicing confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral ties between India and Norway.

“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,” PM Modi posted.

The Prime Minister also outlined his schedule for the visit, stating that he would meet Norway’s King Harald V and Queen Sonja and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Store. He further noted that the third India-Nordic Summit, scheduled for May 19 in Oslo, would provide an important platform to engage with Nordic leaders.

“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.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described Norway as a valued partner of India and said the visit was expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, welcomed the Prime Minister’s arrival and highlighted the significance of the visit.

“God morgen Norge! Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Oslo, Norway. In a special gesture, he was received by PM Jonas Gahr Store at the airport. This is PM Modi’s first visit to Norway and a Prime Ministerial visit from India to Norway in 43 years,” he wrote.

He further stated that PM Modi’s engagements in Norway, including bilateral talks and participation in the India-Nordic Summit, would help strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

According to the MEA, discussions during the visit are expected to focus on expanding trade and investment ties, leveraging the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, and increasing collaboration in clean and green technologies, renewable energy and the blue economy.

The ministry also noted that bilateral trade between India and Norway stood at approximately USD 2.73 billion in 2024, while Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global has invested nearly USD 28 billion in the Indian capital market.

PM Modi arrived in Norway after concluding his visit to Sweden as part of his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour.

Team Maverick.