Norway’s top leadership has given a thumbs-up to India’s transformative reforms, with PM Jonas Gahr Støre telling Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 18 that Oslo can’t wait for PM Narendra Modi’s visit by year’s end.
During the high-level huddle, Støre pushed for joint ventures in fishing industries, medical tech, marine operations, and aerospace frontiers. The Indian expat network in Norway earned special mention for its contributions.
Official word from India’s Finance Ministry details talks on activating EFTA and TEPA deals, prioritizing hi-tech factories, carbon storage innovations, startup synergies, semiconductor fabs, solar/wind power, and recycling tech.
In Oslo, Sitharaman met Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth and Ocean Policy Secretary Ivan Tronstad Sjøbakken, exploring green tech, rare earths, shipping logistics, and seafood sectors under new agreements.
Both Norwegian officials buzzed about Modi’s impending arrival, with Sjøbakken noting India’s clout in maritime domains. Sitharaman advocated swift TEPA execution for shared prosperity.
Wrapping up, she joined a CEO roundtable with 35 elite Norwegian execs, marketing India as a reform-driven growth engine. The 2026-27 Budget, she added, amplifies efforts to lighten regulatory loads.