Oslo witnessed high-level diplomatic engagement as India’s MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George convened with Norwegian Trade and Industry State Secretary Ragnhild Schonander Sirsatd. Discussions centered on fortifying economic partnerships following the India-EFTA-TEPA rollout, with a special emphasis on surging investments in environmentally focused green and blue technologies.
The conversations were productive, as per MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal’s X post, which detailed the push for deeper economic integration. Blue technologies innovate for ocean sustainability and marine protection, complementing green tech’s mission to foster eco-friendly innovations that curb planetary harm.
Contextually, this follows the recent India-EU FTA inking at the 16th India-EU Summit. PM Modi and Ursula von der Leyen greenlit an agreement slashing tariffs on 90%+ of EU goods entering India—machinery duties by 44%, chemicals by 22%, pharmaceuticals by 11%, and full elimination on many aircraft and chemical products. EU beer tariffs halve to 50%.
George’s itinerary extended to interactions with Norway’s Indian diaspora, where he lauded their bridging role and outlined India’s EFTA/EU-FTA strategies, Global South leadership, and enhanced international presence. The embassy noted his emphasis on diaspora contributions to India’s ascent.
Arriving Sunday, George was welcomed by Ambassador Gloria Gangte for the 12th Foreign Office Consultation with Torjer Larsen, targeting enhanced bilateral ties in priority domains. Since 1947, India and Norway have nurtured friendly relations grounded in mutual respect for democratic principles, human rights, and legal governance, signaling a promising era of collaborative growth.