PM Modi Norway Speech: In a historic milestone for bilateral diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday (May 18, 2026).
This marks a monumental moment as it is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway, one of the world’s leading oil and gas exporters.
Following high-level talks with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Støre, PM Modi addressed a joint press conference. The discussion centered heavily on trade, energy security, and global peace.
Entering a ‘Golden Era’ of Trade and FTAs
PM Modi Norway Speech: During his address to the media, PM Modi confidently announced that India and Europe are entering a “new golden era of trade.”
He credited this economic boom directly to the progress made under recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The Prime Minister emphasized that both nations are actively finding new pathways to strengthen trade and investment.
Upgrading to a ‘Green Strategic Partnership’
A major highlight of the speech was the elevation of bilateral ties. PM Modi announced that India and Norway have upgraded their relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership.
Global Impact: He stated that this partnership is not just beneficial for the two nations, but its positive impact will be felt by the entire world.
Indo-Pacific Alliance: PM Modi welcomed Norway into the Indo-Pacific Initiative. He noted, “Together, we will strengthen our maritime economies (Blue Economy), maritime security, and capacity building.”
The Path to Peace: Dialogue and Diplomacy
PM Modi Norway Speech: Addressing ongoing global crises, PM Modi took a firm stance on international conflicts, specifically mentioning the situations in Ukraine and West Asia (the Middle East).
He warned that these conflicts are spreading severe instability across the globe.
He firmly stated that both India and Norway agree that war is not the answer. “Conflicts can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Prime Minister reiterated, emphasizing both nations’ core belief in communication and partnership.
Total Eradication of Terrorism: A Shared Goal
PM Modi extended his deep gratitude to Norway for its unwavering support on global security issues. He thanked the Norwegian government for standing firmly with India against terrorism.
He declared to the media that wiping out terrorism from the world remains a shared goal for both democracies.
Reforming Global Institutions
To tackle modern international challenges, PM Modi stressed that the world can no longer rely on outdated systems.
He stated that reforming global institutions (such as the UN and other international bodies) has now become an absolute necessity to overcome widespread global challenges.
What Norway’s PM Jonas Gahr Støre Said:
Complementing PM Modi’s address, Prime Minister Støre highlighted the expanding horizons of their partnership.
He noted that both nations are rapidly exploring deep cooperation in new-age sectors:
Health & Space Exploration
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
While Støre candidly acknowledged that the two democracies do have certain differences, he emphasized the urgent need to stand united.
He called for a joint front against rising global unilateral actions and protectionism, particularly in critical areas like trade, resources, and free movement.
Norway confers highest honour on PM Modi
Norway confers its highest honour Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit on PM Narendra Modi.
Why this Visit Matters
While India and Norway have historically maintained warm relations, this 2026 visit translates years of climate discussions into a concrete trade reality.
Backed by the landmark India-EFTA (European Free Trade Association) pact, Norway’s massive sovereign wealth fund investments, and their shared maritime interests, the “Golden Era” speech marks a shift from mere diplomatic pleasantries to active geopolitical and economic cooperation.
Also Read : PM Modi Norway Visit: First Indian PM in Norway After 43 Years for India-Nordic Summit 2026