Context: India Norway Green Strategic Partnership
India and Norway upgraded bilateral ties to a “Green Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oslo, focusing on green transition, maritime cooperation, climate technology, and sustainable investment.
India–Norway Relations
Political Relations
- Diplomatic relations established in 1947.
- Cooperation in Arctic affairs, Blue Economy, maritime security, and climate diplomacy.
- Both support rules-based international order and multilateralism.
Economic Relations
- Bilateral trade: Around USD 2.7 billion.
- India’s exports: Pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods, chemicals.
- India’s imports: Fertilisers, seafood, machinery, offshore equipment.
Investment Relations
- Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has major investments in India.
- Key sectors: Renewable energy, shipping, green mobility, offshore technology.
Green Strategic Partnership
- Focused on climate-friendly growth, clean technology, green energy transition, and sustainable development.
- Supports India’s Net Zero target by 2070.
- Helps India access Norwegian technology, capital, and maritime expertise.
India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Agreement
- EFTA Members: Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein.
- Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) signed in 2024.
- India’s first trade agreement with EFTA grouping.
- EFTA committed nearly USD 100 billion investment in India over 15 years.
- Focus on manufacturing, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and technology transfer.
