PM Modi's 32nd international honour: Oslo confers the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Monday conferred with Norway's highest honour, presented in recognition of exceptional services to advancing Norway's interests and international relations.

The Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit has now become the 32nd international honour received by PM Modi on his maiden two-day visit to the country, which also comes 43 years after Indira Gandhi in 1983.

He received the Grand Cross from Norway's King Harald V, just a day after receiving Sweden's highest honour awarded to a Head of Government, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross.

Modi and Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre, who had personally welcomed his Indian counterpart at the airport, later held restricted and delegation level talks in Oslo.

The two leaders have now agreed to elevate India-Norway relations to a Green Strategic Partnership, which advances collaboration in the areas of clean energy, blue economy and green transition. 

The existing ties between the two nations were also reviewed, and it was agreed that areas such as trade & investment, blue economy, circular economy, renewable energy, education, science & technology, AI, space and the Arctic would be boosted.

"Both leaders noted the immense opportunities arising from the India-EFTA Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement especially in trade, technology collaboration and job creation," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) wrote in an X post.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), terrorism was an important point discussed in the bilateral talks between Modi and Støre, in addition to a discussion on the ongoing military conflicts in the world.

In that regard, PM Modi recalled how he was scheduled to visit Norway a year ago, but had to postpone that visit due to the Pahalgam attack at the time.

"During that difficult time, Norway stood firmly with India against terrorism, demonstrating true friendship," he said, thanking Støre for that solidarity.

"India and Norway, both, believe in a rules-based order, dialogue, and diplomacy. We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone," PM Modi added.