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Oslo, May 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while participating in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit held in Oslo, said that the recent trade agreements will usher in a new golden era in relations between India and the Nordic countries. He said that the shared commitment to democracy, rule of law and multilateralism makes India and the Nordic countries natural partners.

Rapidly increased cooperation in trade and investment

While addressing the joint press conference, PM Modi said that there has been significant progress in the relations between India and Nordic countries in the last few years. Bilateral trade has grown four times in the last 10 years, while investment from Nordic countries into India has registered an increase of almost 200 per cent. Investment funds from Nordic countries are becoming important partners in India’s fast growing economy and this has created new employment opportunities on both sides.

Trade agreements will open a new era

The Prime Minister said that trade and economic partnerships with Norway, Iceland and other EFTA countries have been implemented from October 2025. Apart from this, there has also been a recent India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which includes Denmark, Finland and Sweden. He said that these agreements will give new direction and momentum to the relations between India and Nordic countries.

Emphasis on green technology and innovation partnership

PM Modi said that India and Norway have decided to give their relationship the form of green technology and innovation strategic partnership. He said that through this partnership, Iceland’s geothermal expertise, Norway’s blue economy and Arctic experience and Nordic countries’ maritime sustainability expertise will be combined with India’s capabilities. He said that Sweden’s advanced manufacturing and defense technology, Finland’s telecom and digital technology and Denmark’s cyber security expertise will be combined with India’s talent to develop reliable solutions for the world.

Research, Focus on startup and skill development

He said that research and innovation partnership between India and Nordic countries will be further strengthened. For this, cooperation between universities, startups and research labs will be increased. Besides, cooperation in Arctic and Polar research will also be deepened. He said that new opportunities for skill development and mobility of professionals will also be created between India and Nordic countries.

Common stance on global peace and multilateralism

PM Modi said that in an era of global tension and conflict, India and the Nordic countries will work together to strengthen the rules-based global order. He said that on issues like Ukraine and West Asia, all sides are in favor of peace efforts and an early end to the conflict. The Prime Minister also said that reform of multilateral institutions has now become extremely important and global cooperation is needed in this direction.

Expressed gratitude to Norway for the successful tour

Prime Minister Modi’s Norway tour concluded with his participation in the India-Nordic Summit. He wrote in the X post, ‘I am concluding my very successful trip to Norway. Had fruitful talks with Prime Minister Yonas Gahar Stora and participated in the India-Nordic Summit, where important decisions were taken to further deepen cooperation in a number of areas. I express my gratitude to the people of Norway, Prime Minister Jonas and the Government of Norway for their affection and friendship.

Leave for Italy in the last leg of 5 country tour

It is noteworthy that PM Narendra Modi is on a visit to five countries – United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy from 15 to 20 May. The visit aims to strengthen India’s strategic and economic partnerships in key areas such as energy, defence, technology, green transition and trade. In this sequence, after completing the tour of Norway, PM Modi left for Italy in the final phase.