PM Modi calls for early end to conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine
The two leaders held talks on Monday focusing on expanding cooperation in areas such as clean energy, climate change resilience, blue economy, green shipping, digital technology, space and Arctic exploration.
“India and Norway believe in a rules-based order, dialogue and diplomacy. We agree that no problem can be solved through military conflict,” Modi said in a televised press statement after the talks. he said.
Also Read: On PM Modi’s call, government and India Inc. preparing to operate on a combat basis
“We support and will continue to support all efforts to end conflicts and restore peace as soon as possible, whether in Ukraine or West Asia,” he said.
Touching on India-Norway ties, Modi said that the relations have been upgraded to Green Strategic Partnership.
“Through this strategic partnership, our companies will combine India’s scale, speed and talent with Norway’s technology and capital to develop global solutions across sectors, from clean energy to climate resilience, from blue economy to green shipping,” he said. The Prime Minister said that the ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ will be beneficial for the whole world.
The Prime Minister also touched on the rise in India-Europe relations and described it as the “golden age” of relations.
“Today, the world is going through a period of instability and uncertainty. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, many parts of the world continue to face conflicts. In such a period, India and Europe are entering a new golden age in their relations.”
In his speech, Modi thanked Norway for its support to India after the Pahalgam terrorist attack last year, which killed 26 people, most of them tourists.
“I was planned to visit Norway last year, but due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the trip had to be postponed. During this difficult time, Norway stood firm with India against terrorism, reflecting the strength of our friendship.” he said.
“As I visit Norway today, I express my heartfelt gratitude for this solidarity,” he added.
Also Read: As Ukraine war intensifies, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov calls on PM Modi; India maintains its place in diplomacy
In his speech, Modi also underlined the need to reform global institutions to cope with emerging global challenges.
“We also agree that reforming global institutions is essential to address growing global challenges. The elimination of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is our shared commitment,” he said.
The Prime Minister met with Store hours after landing in Oslo.
Modi also referred to the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association, describing it as a blueprint for achieving shared progress and prosperity. He said the agreement envisages investment of $100 billion in India and creation of one million jobs in the next 15 years.
The Prime Minister said both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in the fields of sustainability, ocean energy, geology and health, as well as connect universities and start-up ecosystems in sectors such as engineering, artificial intelligence, cyber and digital technologies.
He said that cooperation in the fields of skill development and talent mobility will also expand further.
Underlining Arctic cooperation, Modi described Norway as an important country in the Arctic region and thanked Norway for supporting the activities of India’s Arctic research station “Himadri”.
He also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ISRO and the Norwegian Space Agency, saying that this will add a new dimension to bilateral space cooperation.
Modi also welcomed Norway’s decision to join the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. “As two major maritime countries, we will work together to strengthen cooperation in the fields of maritime economy, maritime security and capacity building,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the two sides also signed a tripartite development cooperation agreement under which India will work together in Global South countries through digital public infrastructure projects.
From the Arctic to space, from green shipping to food and energy security, cooperation between India and Norway has reached new frontiers, Modi said.
The joint statement stated that the two prime ministers unequivocally and strongly condemn terrorism and all forms and manifestations of violent extremism, including cross-border terrorism.
“The leaders called for the elimination of terrorist infrastructure and safe zones and for determined and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustainable manner and in accordance with international law,” the statement said.
“They reaffirmed their commitment to strong and concerted action against terrorists and terrorist groups, including those listed in the UNSC 1267 sanctions regime and their affiliates, proxies, sponsors, supporters and financiers.”
“They reiterated their strong determination to continue taking active measures to disrupt terrorist financing channels, including the UN and FATF,” the statement said.
