India and Norway Elevate Ties to Green Strategic Partnership

India and Norway elevated their bilateral relations to a Green Strategic Partnership on 18 May 2026 in Oslo during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The partnership covers clean energy, maritime security, digital health, space cooperation, and the blue economy.

India-Norway Bilateral Relations

India and Norway established diplomatic relations in 1947, and both countries have cooperated in maritime affairs, energy, climate action, and development projects. Norway is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, and India is a member of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

Green Strategic Partnership

A strategic partnership is a formal framework for long-term cooperation between two countries in selected sectors. The India-Norway Green Strategic Partnership includes green shipping, clean energy, digital development, and sustainable ocean-based activities. The India-Norway Green Maritime Partnership was signed in 2025 and focuses on sustainable maritime transport, decarbonisation of shipping, green shipping corridors, and environment-friendly vessels. The partnership also covers green hydrogen, ammonia fuel cell propulsion, and greener port infrastructure.

Trade, MoUs and Institutional Cooperation

The India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement came into force on 1 October 2025. The agreement includes Norway as a signatory and provides for $100 billion in foreign direct investment into India over 15 years, along with a target of one million direct jobs. During the 18 May 2026 visit, three government-to-government Memorandums of Understanding were expected in health cooperation, digital infrastructure, and space collaboration. At least 18 business-to-business agreements were also expected, mainly in the energy sector. Norway joined India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative on 18 May 2026. An MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Norwegian Space Agency was also signed on the same date.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative was launched by India in 2019 as a framework for maritime cooperation.
• The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic activity, livelihoods, and marine ecosystem protection.
• The European Free Trade Association consists of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
• Green hydrogen and ammonia are used as alternative fuels in maritime decarbonisation projects.