PM Modi Holds Talks with Iceland PM in Oslo, Focuses on Expanding India-Nordic Partnership

Oslo, May 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held bilateral talks with Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir in Oslo as part of his ongoing two-day visit to Norway, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic and economic engagement with Nordic nations.

The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and senior officials from both countries. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, and regional security.

Prime Minister Modi is currently in Norway to participate in the third India-Nordic Summit, which seeks to deepen India’s ties with Nordic countries and expand collaboration in emerging sectors. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the summit builds on earlier meetings held in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022.

The MEA stated that the latest summit would add a stronger strategic dimension to India’s partnership with Nordic countries, particularly in technology and innovation, green transition, renewable energy, sustainability, blue economy, defence cooperation, space research, and Arctic-related issues.

On Monday, PM Modi attended the India-Norway Business and Research Summit in Oslo, where he highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral economic cooperation following the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement.

The summit witnessed participation from CEOs of more than 50 companies and over 250 delegates from Indian and Norwegian business and research communities. Several agreements between Indian and Norwegian organisations were also signed during the event, reflecting expanding commercial engagement between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Norway on Monday as part of the fourth leg of his ongoing five-nation tour. In a rare and special diplomatic gesture, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store personally received him at the airport. Norway’s Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, India’s Ambassador to Norway, Gloria Gangte, and senior officials were also present to welcome the Indian Prime Minister.

During his visit, PM Modi also met Norway’s King Harald V at the Royal Palace in Oslo. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Indian and Norwegian companies across various sectors, particularly in emerging technologies and innovation-driven industries.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Modi appreciated Norway’s natural beauty and emphasised that the longstanding friendship between India and Norway continues to grow stronger, anchored in shared democratic values, rule of law, and people-centric governance.

King Harald V later hosted a luncheon in honour of the Indian Prime Minister, who thanked the Norwegian leadership for the warm hospitality extended during the visit.

In another significant highlight of the visit, PM Modi was conferred with Norway’s highest civilian honour for foreign Heads of Government — the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit — in recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Norway relations and promote global cooperation.

Team Maverick.