Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo on Monday to strengthen bilateral relations [1], [2].
The meeting serves as a precursor to the third India-Nordic Summit, aimed at deepening economic ties and coordinating regional policy between India and Northern European nations.
This visit is the first by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years [3]. The bilateral talks took place during a two-day visit to the country [4]. Both leaders discussed the India-EFTA Economic Partnership Agreement as a primary mechanism to boost trade [1].
Economic cooperation remains a central pillar of the relationship. Bilateral trade between India and Norway stood at approximately $2.73 billion in 2024 [1]. The leaders discussed ways to expand this volume through increased investment and trade facilitation.
The bilateral meeting on May 18 preceded the formal India-Nordic Summit scheduled for May 19, 2026 [2], [5]. This broader summit involves multiple Nordic partners and focuses on shared strategic interests across Europe and Asia.
Modi's trip to Oslo is part of a larger five-nation tour that includes visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy [6]. The tour emphasizes India's intent to diversify its diplomatic partnerships and secure new trade corridors within the European Union and its neighbors.
Throughout the discussions, the two leaders focused on deepening overall diplomatic relations. The talks in Oslo are intended to set the stage for the multilateral agreements expected during the summit tomorrow [1], [2].
“The visit marks the first time an Indian prime minister has visited Norway in 43 years.”
The resumption of high-level diplomatic visits after four decades signals India's strategic pivot toward the Nordic region to secure technology and investment. By leveraging the India-EFTA Economic Partnership Agreement, India aims to reduce trade barriers and integrate more deeply into the European market, while Norway seeks to expand its economic footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
