During a historic visit to Oslo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly advocated for the resolution of ongoing global crises in Ukraine and West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy, firmly asserting that military action alone cannot yield lasting peace. Speaking during a joint televised press conference alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Modi emphasized that both India and Norway share a profound commitment to a rules-based international order and peaceful conflict resolution. The high-level bilateral talks marked a significant milestone, representing the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in 43 years. Modi reiterated that New Delhi stands ready to support any and all constructive efforts aimed at an early cessation of hostilities, highlighting that today’s complex geopolitical challenges demand a collective diplomatic push rather than battlefield escalation.
Beyond addressing pressing international security concerns, the two leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions to accelerate economic and technological collaboration. The talks heavily focused on expanding bilateral ties in green energy, sustainable development, maritime security, and the blue economy, backed by the operational momentum of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. Modi warmly welcomed Norway’s formal entry into the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, a move expected to significantly enhance maritime capacity building and security cooperation between the two seafaring nations. The Prime Minister also used the platform to call for comprehensive reforms in global governance institutions to make them more reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities. This visit to Norway serves as a critical leg of Modi’s broader multi-nation European tour, setting the stage for the upcoming India-Nordic Summit, where deep-tech innovation, climate action, and resilient global supply chains are expected to dominate the multilateral agenda.
