Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Oslo, Norway, in early May 2024 to attend the third India-Nordic Summit [1].

The visit represents a significant diplomatic shift, as it is the first time an Indian prime minister has visited a Nordic country in 43 years [2]. This engagement signals India's intent to diversify its strategic partnerships across Europe and the Arctic region.

During the summit, Modi focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The agenda included discussions on technology, renewable energy, and defense [1]. Officials also prioritized sustainability, trade, and space exploration as key pillars for future growth [1].

In addition to the high-level summit, Modi inaugurated the India-Norway Business and Research Summit in Oslo [3]. This event aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application, specifically targeting green technology and maritime innovation.

Arctic issues remained a central point of the discussions. India has sought greater involvement in Arctic governance and research, leveraging the Nordic countries' expertise in polar environments to enhance its own scientific capabilities [1].

Trade and security were also top priorities for the tour [5, 6]. The prime minister's itinerary included a broader European tour with a stopover in the United Arab Emirates to align security interests and economic goals across different geographic hubs [4, 5].

By engaging with the Nordic bloc, India aims to secure a stable supply of green technology and sustainable investment. These nations are global leaders in carbon neutrality, making them ideal partners for India's energy transition goals [1].

“The first time an Indian prime minister has visited a Nordic country in 43 years.”

This diplomatic outreach indicates India's strategy to move beyond traditional alliances by building ties with the Nordic region. By focusing on green energy and Arctic research, India is positioning itself as a global player in climate sustainability while securing the technological partnerships necessary to meet its domestic environmental targets.