Your Royal Highness,
Your Excellency Prime Minister,
Distinguished members of the business communities of both countries,
Today, we have had the opportunity to engage in discussions with the business and research leaders of Norway and India. I sincerely thank the Prime Minister of Norway for organising this summit on such a grand scale.
It is a matter of great pleasure for me to be here today among the business and research communities of Norway and India. I had the opportunity to listen to some of the participants, and hearing them gives me confidence that the foundation of our partnership is very strong.
This is not merely a partnership of possibilities; it is a proven partnership. Today, when food, fuel, and fertiliser security have become global challenges, India and Norway are working together to address them. Whether it is Orkla’s investments in India’s food sector, Equinor’s supply of LPG and LNG to India, or Yara International’s contribution to India’s fertiliser sector - these collaborations are strengthening our partnership.
I am very pleased that many among you, the CEOs present here, have consistently participated with great enthusiasm in Vibrant Gujarat and other investor summits in India. Now, we must increase the intensity of this partnership and take it towards new frontiers.
And now, merely moving forward one step at a time will not be sufficient. We will have to increase our pace, and we must also set our goals much higher.
Friends,
All of you who are connected with India, and the discussions you have had here regarding India - I believe there could not be a better time than this. Today is a moment of great opportunity, where the right use of the right time can make a significant difference.
In October 2025, we implemented the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, or "TEPA,” with the European Free Trade Association. This unique and special agreement is an agreement of talent, technology, and mutual trust between us.
Through this agreement, the EFTA countries have set a target of investing 100 billion dollars in India and creating one million jobs over the next fifteen years. This is an ambitious target, but it is also achievable. And I assure you with confidence that transforming your investments in India into tangible outcomes is our guarantee.
Friends,
I would like to mention two sectors that may be particularly beneficial for you. India’s rapidly growing middle class is creating major demand in the nutrition and healthcare sectors. Norway’s food, fisheries, and healthcare companies can become strong partners in meeting this demand in India.
Similarly, in the field of clean energy, India’s aspirations are unmatched anywhere in the world. By 2030, we have set targets of producing 500 gigawatts of clean energy and 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen. Clean energy investment is also a priority for the Norwegian Wealth Fund. I invite Norway to become an important partner in India’s clean energy future.
Friends,
Guided by the mantra of "Reform, Perform, and Transform,” as we move forward, if we look back at the past twelve years, we can see that we have fundamentally transformed the economic DNA of India.
We are continuously reducing compliances, and the government is taking highly proactive steps to further improve the Ease of Doing Business.
Recently, we have introduced next-generation reforms in areas such as taxation, labour codes, and governance. I believe that we are now offering some of the finest opportunities to take manufacturing in India to the next level. We are also providing incentives across several key sectors.
A shining example of this is our shipbuilding sector. We are working rapidly to develop this sector as a strategic manufacturing sector. We are building shipbuilding clusters and creating an end-to-end ecosystem for its growth.
Alongside shipbuilding, India is also emerging as a global hub for MRO, green shipping, and maritime services.
Today, nearly 10 percent of Norway’s ships are built in India. Can we increase this to 25 percent over the next five years? I believe this is not a difficult task. We have already gained momentum. What we need now are bigger steps backed by larger ambitions.
I invite all of you to become major partners in this sector by taking advantage of India’s policy stability and incentives.
Friends,
Today, the Prime Minister and I have elevated India–Norway relations to the level of a Green Strategic Partnership. Through this strategic partnership, Norwegian companies will receive full support in areas such as critical minerals, AI, cyber technologies, space, and defence. In all these sectors, I invite you to make India a base for innovation and manufacturing.
Friends,
Today, we are also transforming India–Norway relations into partnerships from lab to lab, university to university, and scientist to scientist. India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), startup funds, and Norway’s research institutions are strengthening their cooperation with one another. This will connect the research and startup ecosystems of both countries.
Friends,
We have opened a dedicated trade facilitation desk for Norway within Invest India so that we can address your requirements in a focused manner. This desk will make your investment journey in India smoother, faster, and more effective.
Such a dedicated mechanism provides significant convenience. It also makes coordination with state governments much easier for you. And whenever there is a need for adjustments or support within decision-making processes, those too can be addressed with much greater speed. That is precisely why we have created this special arrangement.
Now, my principal message to all of you is this: come, expand both your scope and your ambitions in India. I warmly invite you to India.
You will also have the opportunity to witness these experiences firsthand. I, too, have conveyed my assurance and confidence to you from my side. In a way, the ball is now in your court.
Thank you.
