PM Modi Honoured with Norway’s Highest Civilian Award

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 18th May held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Norway, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Norway’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), stating that the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Norway would benefit not only the two nations but also the wider global community.

During his visit to Norway, Prime Minister Modi and Norwegian leaders emphasized strengthening cooperation in areas such as climate action, sustainable development, maritime affairs, clean energy, and trade.

A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of a Triangular Development Cooperation Agreement aimed at supporting countries of the Global South. The agreement reflects India’s increasing focus on development partnerships and South-South cooperation by combining resources, expertise, and technology for sustainable development projects in developing nations.

Prime Minister Modi was also conferred with Norway’s highest civilian honour for foreign Heads of Government — the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. The award was presented in recognition of his contribution to advancing India-Norway relations and his leadership in promoting global cooperation. This marks the 32nd international honour received by Prime Minister Modi.

The leaders also underlined the importance of expanding business cooperation, bilateral trade, and investments. They warmly welcomed the coming into force of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states. The EFTA consists of four countries — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland — and the agreement is expected to boost trade, investment flows, and economic cooperation between India and the bloc.

In the field of green technology and climate action, both countries agreed to explore cooperation in low-emission technologies, including Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), which is considered important for reducing industrial carbon emissions and supporting clean energy transitions.

The visit further strengthened the India-Norway partnership and highlighted growing cooperation in trade, sustainability, maritime security, and global development initiatives.

Sources: PIB, AIR, MEA