PrintFriendly
PM’s Visit to Norway
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway on May 18, 2026 was historic, as it marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over four decades. The visit focused on green energy, maritime cooperation, technology, research, and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. Both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties into a “Green Strategic Partnership.” Discussions focused on renewable energy, green hydrogen, clean technology, fisheries, healthcare, maritime cooperation, and space collaboration. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed to strengthen cooperation in these areas.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a triangular development cooperation agreement between India and Norway aimed at supporting development initiatives in the Global South. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the agreement would combine the expertise and resources of both countries to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development in developing nations.
Climate action and green transition formed the core of the discussions. Norway’s expertise in offshore wind energy, carbon capture technology, electric mobility, and sustainable shipping was seen as valuable for India’s renewable energy ambitions and green industrial transformation. Prime Minister Modi also addressed the India–Norway Business and Research Summit in Oslo. He invited Norwegian companies to invest in India’s expanding economy and highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, fisheries, clean energy, and digital innovation. He remarked that India and Europe were entering a “new golden era” of partnership driven by technology, trade, and sustainability.
The two leaders additionally discussed maritime security, Arctic cooperation, terrorism, and the importance of a rules-based international order. Norway’s support to India following the Pahalgam terror attack was acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi during the visit. The Norway visit was described as future-oriented and strategically important, opening new avenues for cooperation in green technology, research, innovation, and global development.
PM Receives the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
In a special ceremony hosted in Oslo on 18 May, His Majesty King Herald V of Norway conferred upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi the ‘Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit’. The award is Norway’s highest honour bestowed on foreign Heads of Government, and is conferred in recognition of the outstanding service in the interest of Norway and humankind.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep gratitude to His Majesty King Herald V and to the people of Norway for this honour. He dedicated the award to the historic friendship between India and Norway, calling it a tribute to the enduring warmth, trust, and affection shared between the people of India and the people of Norway.
The conferment stands as a symbol of the deep bonds of goodwill that exists between India and Norway, and will guide their journey of friendship and collaboration into the future.