Oslo: Secretary (West) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sibi George, held a high-level meeting with Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad, State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, in Oslo on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and boosting investments in green and blue technology sectors.
According to India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the discussions focused on ways to deepen India–Norway economic ties following the implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
“During the visit to Oslo, Secretary (West) Sibi George held a productive meeting with State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms. Ragnhild Sjoner Syrstad. They discussed deepening India–Norway economic ties after the implementation of India–EFTA–TEPA and boosting investments in green and blue tech sectors,” Jaiswal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The engagement comes in the backdrop of recent developments in India’s trade relations with Europe. On January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly announced the conclusion of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (India–EU FTA) at the 16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi. Under the agreement, tariffs on more than 90 per cent of EU goods exported to India will be eliminated or reduced, including duties on machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aircraft, and spacecraft.
During his visit, Secretary George also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Norway, highlighting India’s expanding global role, its leadership within the Global South, and the significance of both the India–EFTA and India–EU FTA pacts. He lauded the Indian community for serving as a “vital bridge” between India and Norway.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Norway said: “H.E. Ambassador Sibi George interacted with the vibrant and diverse Indian diaspora in Norway. He emphasised the importance of the Indian diaspora in India’s growth and global engagement, while also highlighting India–EFTA and India–EU FTA agreements, India’s leadership of Global South, and its expanding global role.” The event featured a classical dance performance by the Mudra team and concluded with the singing of the Indian National Anthem.
Secretary George arrived in Oslo on Sunday to participate in the 12th Foreign Office Consultations with Torgier Larsen, Secretary General of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. India’s Ambassador to Norway, Gloria Gangte, welcomed him upon arrival. The embassy noted that the visit aims to strengthen cooperation across key sectors and deepen bilateral ties.
Diplomatic relations between India and Norway date back to February 1947, with both countries sharing a longstanding cordial relationship based on common values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.