India and Norway Review Climate and Ocean Ties at Oslo Talks

India and Norway recently met in Oslo for the twelfth session of their joint environmental working group to evaluate progress on tackling marine waste, plastic hazards, and chemical pollution. Held from September tenth to eleventh, the talks brought together officials to discuss carbon markets, emissions reduction, and circular economic models under their existing Green Strategic Partnership. Tanmay Kumar led the Indian delegation from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Earlier Diplomatic Meetings

Bilateral engagement has remained steady over recent months, marked by a June meeting between Norway's envoy to India, May-Elin Stener, and Aparna Ray from India's Ministry of External Affairs to discuss global priorities. These follow a major two-day diplomatic trip by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Norway in May, during which he attended the India-Nordic Summit and met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. During that visit, the two nations elevated their diplomatic ties to a Green Strategic Partnership focused on clean energy, sustainable economic growth, blue economy projects, and green shipping.

Honors and Investment

While in Oslo, Prime Minister Modi also took part in a Business and Research Summit, where he encouraged Norwegian investment into Indian clean energy programs and highlighted the nation's economic reforms. The Norwegian government awarded Prime Minister Modi its highest distinction during the trip, presenting him with the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.