Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that India and Norway have signed a triangular development cooperation agreement that would assist human development across the Global South.
"Today, we also signed a triangular development cooperation agreement. Together, we will contribute to human development in Global South countries through India’s digital public infrastructure projects," he said during a joint press meeting with Norway's PM Jonas Gahr Støre.
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He also emphasised the importance of Norway's joining in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, saying "As two major maritime nations, we will strengthen cooperation in the marine economy, maritime security and capacity building."
"The world today is passing through instability and uncertainty," the prime minister said, adding that India and Europe are entering a new 'Golden Era' in their relationship against this backdrop.
The "historic" India-EFTA serves as a blueprint for ensuring shared growth, progress, and prosperity between India and Norway, Modi said. "This agreement sets a target of attracting investments totalling 100 billion dollars into India and creating one million jobs over the next fifteen years."
India and Norway are signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on developing high-tech quality health services, closer cooperation on digital health, artificial intelligence, research and health technology.
"I believe that cooperation delivers better results than unilateralism and isolation, especially when it comes to global challenges. We have to stand up against those who weaponise diplomacy, who weaponise trade, and who weaponise technology," Norway PM Jonas Gahr Store said.
PM Modi is in Norway in the fourth leg of his five-nation visit. He reached Oslo after visiting the UAE, the Netherlands and Sweden. He is set to attend the third India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 19.
"A relationship for growth and prosperity," India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, sharing update on PM's delegation level talks in Norway.
PM Modi and Norway's PM Store held 'restricted' and delegation level talks in Oslo, the ministry said. "The leaders agreed to elevate India-Norway relations to a Green Strategic Partnership which marks a milestone in advancing collaboration in the areas of clean energy, blue economy and green transition."
The two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relationship and agreed to strengthen it further in the areas of trade & investment, blue economy, circular economy, renewable energy, education, science & technology, AI, space and the Arctic, it said, adding that both leaders noted the immense opportunities arising from the India-EFTA Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement especially in trade, technology collaboration and job creation.
"The leaders exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues. PM Store of Norway conveyed strong support in India’s and global fight against terrorism," MEA said.
