In the midst of negotiations, as India along with the European Union edge closer to concluding the deal that Brussels has called”the “mother of all trade deals,” Norway has openly expressed its appreciation for the deal as a significant improvement in India’s involvement with Europe. While Norway isn’t part in the European Union, it sees the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as an important step that will improve regional trade relations and boost economic growth across the region.
In a conversation exclusive to NDTV Norway’s Ambassador in India May-Elin Stener explained the possibility of an India-EU partnership as a landmark event. Stener said that even although Norway is outside of the EU framework, a stronger trading relationships with India and Europe will benefit the entire European economic environment, including Norway.
Norway is an associate part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and has signed an Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India that came into force on the 1st of October. Ambassador Stener stated that the agreement was an important milestone for bilateral ties. She said a agreement between the EU and India will further enhance India’s relationship with Europe overall and complement existing agreements like the India-EFTA framework.
The minister also emphasized she believes that European Union remains Norway’s largest trading partner, which makes the deeper integration of Europe and India is a positive development for Oslo. She believes that strong trade links will help to build resilience in a time of the uncertainty in global economy is rising.
In the midst of renewed trade disputes and protectionist policies across the world in the wake of renewed tariff disputes and protectionist policies around the world, the Norwegian Envoy was adamant about open trade. The Norwegian envoy referred to recent trade reforms taken in Trump’s United States under President Donald Trump and their impact on many economies, which include India as well as Europe, Stener said Norway’s personal experience as a small open economy demonstrates the obvious benefits of affluent markets. Stener emphasized that Norway is a believer in a rule-based multilateral trading system, and is committed to the reduction of trade barriers, rather than building new barriers.
Concerning the political front, Stener addressed President Trump’s frequent remarks regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, clarifying that the Norwegian government is not involved in the awarding process. Stener stressed the fact that the Nobel Peace Prize is decided independently by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, free of political influence.
In a discussion about geopolitics, the ambassador reiterated Norway’s belief in Danish sovereignty in Greenland in light of recent comments made by US leaders that sparked controversy across Europe. She stressed the fact that Greenland belongs to Denmark’s Kingdom of Denmark and said that Norway as the founding member of NATO remains determined to ensure Arctic security within the alliance.
Looking towards the future, Stener confirmed Norway’s participation in India’s next AI summit, while expressing his firm support for India’s drive towards “democratise AI.” Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation will be leading an elite delegation that includes business leaders, and will highlight Oslo’s keenness to increase technological cooperation with India.
Concerning President Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” initiative especially in relation to Gaza, Stener said Norway has sought clarification regarding how a plan could be aligned to the United Nations. Although Norway did not participate in the ceremony of signing at Davos but she expressed her commitment to genuine efforts to bring peace to Gaza and stop the war in Ukraine.
Summarizing, Stener said India-Norway relations are on a steady, positive track that is driven by a growing trade, business ties, and strategic co-operation. Stener also said that the Prime of Norway Narendra Modi is expected to visit Norway in the coming months to attend the India-Nordic Summit highlighting the growing partnership that exists between New Delhi and Oslo in an ever-changing global context.
