Concluding the consultations, it was mutually agreed to convene the next round in Oslo at a time convenient for both parties.
On the 14th of May 2024, the 11th India-Norway Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) convened in New Delhi. Heading the Indian delegation was Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, while Mr. Torgeir Larsen, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway, led the Norwegian delegation. This meeting marked a continuation from the previous FOC held in Oslo in November 2022.
The relationship between India and Norway is characterized by robust political exchanges and a network of bilateral institutional mechanisms. Central to this relationship is cooperation in the Blue Economy, aimed at fostering sustainable development, particularly within marine and maritime domains.
Recognizing their fruitful collaboration across various sectors, both parties explored avenues to broaden and diversify bilateral cooperation. Areas of focus included the Blue Economy, Renewable Energy, Climate & Environment, CCUS, Green Hydrogen, Solar and Wind Projects, Green Shipping, Fisheries, Water Management, Space Cooperation, Arctic affairs, Education, and Culture. Additionally, they celebrated the signing of the India-EFTA TEPA in March 2024, expressing eagerness to expedite its implementation to bolster bilateral trade and investment. Discussions also touched upon the forthcoming India-Nordic Summit slated for later in the year in Oslo.
The agenda further encompassed deliberations on UN reforms, particularly in light of the Summit of the Future. Both sides engaged in constructive exchanges on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Concluding the consultations, it was mutually agreed to convene the next round in Oslo at a time convenient for both parties.