India-Nordic ties at strategic high: PM

Today, we decided to elevate India-Nordic relations to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. With this we will ensure a better future for world  -  Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in clean energy, trade and digitalisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday departed from Norway for Italy, concluding a visit that saw India’s ties with Nordic nations elevated to a new strategic level focused on green technology and innovation.

In a post on social media platform X, Modi described the Norway leg as “very fruitful,” noting productive discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and participation in the India-Nordic Summit. He thanked the Government and people of Norway for their hospitality and warmth.

During his two-day visit, Modi held bilateral talks with leaders from across the Nordic region, including Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir (as referenced in summit participation), Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in clean energy, sustainability, trade, and digitalisation.

A key outcome of the visit was the India-Nordic Summit, where India and the Nordic countries-comprising Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden-agreed to elevate their relationship to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. The framework is expected to deepen collaboration in clean energy transition, blue economy initiatives, trade, and investment flows.

Modi also met King Harald V of Norway, highlighting India’s rapid economic transformation and opportunities for Norwegian businesses. He was additionally conferred Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, in recognition of his role in strengthening India-Norway relations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Oslo visit marked the opening of “a new chapter in India-Nordic and India-Norway partnership.”

Following Norway, Modi will travel to Italy on the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In Rome, he is expected to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold bilateral talks with Meloni.

The India-Italy relationship is currently guided by a strategic action plan for 2025-2029, aimed at expanding cooperation in investment, defence and security, clean energy, innovation, and science and technology. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $ 16.77 billion in 2025, reflecting growing economic engagement.

The Italy visit is expected to further strengthen India’s engagement with Europe amid expanding cooperation in technology, sustainability, and global economic partnerships.