Recently, India and Norway upgraded bilateral ties to a “Green Strategic Partnership” focusing on green shipping, blue economy, energy transition and sustainable development.
- PM Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit by His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.
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Key Highlights of India–Norway Meet
- Green Strategic Partnership: India and Norway elevated bilateral relations to a “Green Strategic Partnership” to deepen cooperation in climate-friendly technologies, renewable energy and sustainable maritime development.
- Cooperation in Blue Economy and Green Shipping: India and Norway agreed to expand cooperation in green shipping, maritime innovation, ocean economy, clean fuels and sustainable port infrastructure.
- Strategic and Geopolitical Coordination: Both sides reaffirmed support for a rules-based international order, peaceful diplomacy and multilateral cooperation amid geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.
India–Norway Relations
- India and Norway share cordial bilateral relations based on democratic values, multilateral cooperation, sustainable development and growing economic engagement.
- Historical Origin: Diplomatic relations were established in 1947 soon after India’s independence, and Norway was among the first countries to recognise sovereign India.
- Strategic and Diplomatic Cooperation: Both countries support a rules-based international order, peaceful conflict resolution, climate action, counter-terrorism cooperation and reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council.
 Economic and Trade Relations: Bilateral trade between India and Norway stands at roughly USD 1 billion annually, with a relatively balanced exchange of goods and services.-
- Bilateral trade has expanded in sectors such as renewable energy, shipping, maritime technology, fertilisers, telecommunications and clean energy, strengthened further through the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
- Maritime and Green Partnership: India and Norway cooperate extensively in green shipping, blue economy, Arctic research, offshore energy, sustainable fisheries and maritime innovation under the recently upgraded Green Strategic Partnership.
- Cultural and Educational Linkages: Norway hosts an Indian diaspora of around 30,000 people, while Indian students, cultural associations and festivals such as Turban Day and Oslo Colour Festival strengthen people-to-people ties.
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About Green Shipping
- Green shipping refers to environmentally sustainable maritime transport practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, marine pollution and fossil fuel dependence in the shipping sector.
- Key Features of Green Shipping
- Use of Cleaner Marine Fuels: Green shipping promotes alternative fuels such as green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, LNG and biofuels to reduce carbon emissions from ships.
- Energy-Efficient Vessel Design: Modern green ships use advanced hull designs, wind-assisted propulsion, battery systems and fuel-efficient engines to improve energy efficiency.
- Reduction of Marine Pollution: Green shipping emphasises reduction of oil spills, ballast water pollution, underwater noise pollution and plastic waste affecting marine ecosystems.
- Adaptations for Green Shipping
- Shore-to-Ship Electrification: Ports increasingly provide shore power facilities allowing ships to switch off diesel engines while docked.
- Smart and Digital Navigation: Use of Artificial Intelligence, IoT and digital route optimisation reduces fuel consumption and operational inefficiencies.
- Transition to Net-Zero Shipping: Shipping companies are adopting carbon-neutral technologies and complying with International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonisation targets.
Indian Government Initiatives Supporting Green Shipping and Blue Economy
- Sagarmala Programme (2015): Sagarmala aims to modernise ports, improve coastal infrastructure, promote coastal shipping and enhance logistics efficiency.
- Maritime India Vision 2030 (2021): The vision document promotes green ports, renewable energy integration, digital maritime infrastructure and sustainable coastal development.
- Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines (2023): The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched “Harit Sagar” guidelines to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly port operations.
- The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions per ton of cargo handled by 30% by 2030 and 70% by 2047
- National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): The mission supports production and use of green hydrogen and green ammonia, including their future application in shipping and maritime transport.
- Blue Economy Policy Framework: India promotes sustainable utilisation of ocean resources through fisheries development, marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy and coastal tourism.
- Deep Ocean Mission (2021): The mission focuses on deep-sea exploration, marine biodiversity research and sustainable use of ocean resources.
- Green Tug Transition Programme (2024): India launched the Green Tug Transition Programme to replace conventional fuel-based harbour tugs with green and hybrid propulsion systems.
Importance of Blue Economy for India
- Maritime Resource Utilisation: India’s vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone provide opportunities in fisheries, offshore energy, seabed minerals and marine trade.
- Sustainable Economic Growth: The blue economy supports employment generation, food security, renewable energy and coastal livelihoods through sustainable marine resource management.
- Strategic Maritime Security: Development of maritime infrastructure strengthens India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region and global supply chains.
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Conclusion
India–Norway cooperation reflects the growing importance of sustainable maritime development, green technology and blue economy partnerships in the global climate transition.
19 May 2026
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