India and the Nordic nations on Tuesday agreed to elevate their ties to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership, aiming to deepen collaboration in areas such as clean and green transition, trade and investment, innovation, and the blue economy, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with leaders from the Nordic region in Oslo.
Speaking after the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, PM Modi said India and the Nordic countries would continue working together to strengthen the rules-based global order amid rising geopolitical tensions.
"Our shared commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism makes us natural partners," PM Modi said while addressing the media alongside the prime ministers of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden.
"Today, we decided to elevate India-Nordic relations to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. Through this green technology collaboration, we aim to contribute towards a better future for the world," the Prime Minister said. The leaders also exchanged views on key global developments and ongoing conflicts.
"In this period of global tensions and instability, India and the Nordic countries will continue to cooperate in strengthening the rules-based international order. Whether it concerns Ukraine or West Asia, we support early resolution of conflicts and continued efforts towards peace," Modi said. He further noted that both sides agreed on the urgent need to reform multilateral institutions to make them more effective and representative.
Earlier, PM Modi said in a social media post that discussions during the summit covered sustainability, clean energy, emerging technologies, innovation, and strengthening cooperation for a peaceful and prosperous future. "India and the Nordic countries are connected by shared democratic values, mutual trust, and a common commitment to human-centric development," he said.
Meanwhile, India and Norway also signed multiple agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development during Modi's visit to Oslo.
CSIR signs multiple agreements
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) signed a series of agreements with leading Norwegian academic, industrial, and research organisations to strengthen bilateral collaboration in key scientific sectors.
According to officials, the agreements are intended to enhance India-Norway cooperation in research, technology development, innovation, institutional partnerships, start-up engagement, academic collaboration, and sustainable growth initiatives.
One of the key agreements was signed between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Research Council of Norway, focusing on joint workshops, collaborative research projects, and exchange programmes for scientists and researchers in areas including climate studies, clean energy, ocean sciences, and healthcare.
CSIR also signed a collaboration agreement for the 2026-2029 period with SINTEF, Norway's leading independent research institution, under the framework of an existing memorandum of understanding signed in 2014.
The collaboration will focus on sustainability and circular economy initiatives through joint research and innovation programmes covering bio-based materials and processes, innovation hubs, offshore wind and ocean energy systems, carbon capture and utilisation, and waste valorisation technologies.