Norway and India have historically shared cordial relations hinging upon mutual respect and interests vis-à-vis the resolution of global challenges. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has called both countries “natural partners”, given their status as “two vibrant democracies, with deep respect for the rule of law, cultural diversity and human rights.”
Indo-Norwegian cooperation spans across climate change, environment, energy, clean technologies, biodiversity, health, culture, gender, local governance and business. Both countries have agreed to closely collaborate upon the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as India’s economy and size renders its role crucial for global success. During the 2017 G-20 Summit, Norwegian PM, Erna Solberg, presented PM Modi with a football as a symbolic gift for the same.
During PM Solberg’s first visit to India from January 6-8, 2019, discussions centered around strengthening partnerships, over bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, based on continued high-level exchanges and enhanced mechanisms of bilateral interaction. Indo-Norwegian cooperation was discussed in the areas of counter-terrorism, security, research and innovation, ICT, energy, climate, environment, higher education and importantly, fisheries, aquaculture and maritime.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed facilitate dialogue to boost bilateral trade, currently valued at $1.2 billion. In Norway’s bid to herald a new strategy of engagement, wherein India plays a significant role, the private sector will be a key component across research and technical cooperation. Business entities signed 15 MoUs across finance, ICT, health-care, energy and aquaculture, among others.
After multiple rounds of negotiations, both countries are gearing towards signing a Free Trade Agreement. The nuts and bolts of the pact are being worked out, officially known as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), between India and EFTA countries i.e. Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland. This will increase trade and create a better environment for businesses.
India expressed appreciation for the Norwegian support towards India securing membership/accession to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australia Group, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Wassenaar Arrangement (WA). Solberg commended India for according respect to international law in the context of increased maritime aggression by some countries (an allusion to China). “When large countries respect international law, smaller countries take note. The principle ‘might is right’ cannot be used as a basis for governing our oceans, or anything else, for that matter.”
In addition to this, India has sought support in the form of partnerships from Norway, for its national programmes like Start-up India, Smart Cities, Make in India and Clean India. The Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI), established in 2006, has provided strategic support for the scaling up of the National Rural Health Mission in Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. In 2017, an MoU was signed to extend the duration of NIPI to 2021.
PM Modi highlighted that the Norway Government Pension Fund Global has a $12 billion portfolio investment in India. He said, “I am confident that in future, both in portfolio investment and foreign direct investment, Norwegian companies will make use of vast opportunities in India. Specifically, under India’s Sagarmala programme, Norwegian companies will get a lot of opportunities in ship building, ports and port-led development.”
Since both India and Norway are ocean states, an MoU was signed for facilitating India-Norway Ocean Dialogue. A Joint Task Force will be established to promote multi-sectoral cooperation within the Blue Economy. Blue Economy is an emerging concept that encourages improved stewardship of ocean or “blue” resources, going beyond the conception of the ocean economy as a vehicle for economic growth. It encapsulates the protection of traditional ways of living, costal resilience, carbon sequestration and mitigation of the devastating impacts of climate change.
PM Solberg said “Prime Minister Modi has presented a vision of sustainability and growth for all people in the region. One of the goals of my government’s ocean strategy is to promote sustainable value creation and employment in the ocean-based industries.” Norway is a leading maritime country with expertise in innovation and quality across fishing, defence, energy, shipping and port management.
“We cannot afford to let protectionism, discrimination and economic rivalries define our future.”
Both countries have recognised the mutual need for bilateral economic collaborations and the benefits of a stable global framework of free, rules-based international trade, governed by open markets, lower trade barriers and foreign direct investment.
India Outbound
January 9, 2019
source https://indiaoutbound.org/invigorating-indian-norwegian-relations/
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