NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s high-profile visit to Norway has drawn strong praise from the Norwegian leadership, with Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Espen Barth Eide calling India an “important partner” and calling the visit to Oslo “very fruitful” at a time of major geopolitical shifts and economic realignments across the world.
As India expands its diplomatic and economic footprint globally, Norway signalled its intent to deepen engagement with New Delhi, highlighting India’s rising influence in shaping international affairs and future global cooperation.
Speaking on PM Modi’s visit, Espen Barth Eide said Norway values its close partnership with India, which he counted as one of the world’s most significant emerging powers both economically and strategically.
He noted that India’s growing economic strength and technological innovation make it a crucial partner for Norway in a rapidly changing international environment. Referring to the changing nature of global alliances, Eide said countries must rethink traditional approaches and adapt to new realities through stronger partnerships. He also lauded PM Modi for raising awareness of India’s importance on the global stage.
The Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister also welcomed the return of an Indian Prime Minister to Oslo after several years, calling the visit significant for bilateral relations.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Norway, where he held bilateral discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and participated in the India-Norway Business and Research Summit aimed at boosting cooperation in trade, technology, green energy and innovation.
During the visit, PM Modi was also conferred with Norway’s highest civilian honour — the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit — by King Harald V, marking a major diplomatic moment in India-Norway ties.
Espen Barth Eide said Norway appreciates India’s approach towards some of the world’s most pressing issues and acknowledged the responsibilities that come with India’s growing economic and geopolitical stature.
He stressed that India’s rise carries increasing global significance and said Norway sees value in engaging closely with India on matters concerning the future direction of the international order.
According to Eide, discussions with India have become increasingly important as nations attempt to navigate global uncertainty, shifting power centres and evolving economic partnerships.
The Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister also shared personal memories linked to India while speaking about his interaction with PM Modi.
Eide revealed that he first visited India in 1974 and recalled travelling from Delhi to Varanasi on a steam-engine train during his younger days. He said PM Modi enjoyed hearing the anecdote, especially because the Prime Minister represents the Varanasi constituency in Parliament.