As the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union (EU), which Brussels has termed the Mother of All Trade Deals, is getting closer, there is widespread movement in Europe. Meanwhile, Norway has expressed open support for deeper economic engagement with India, even though it is not formally a part of the India-EU FTA.
In a special interview given to a senior journalist of a private TV channel, Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Steiner said that the proposed India-EU agreement will be historic and will also give a new impetus to India-Norway and India-Europe trade relations.
Outside EU, yet close to India
Ambassador Steiner clarified that Norway is not a member of the European Union, but is part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). He informed that the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and Norway has already been implemented, which came into effect from October 1. He said, ‘This is a big milestone in our relations with India. Any major agreement between India and EU will also be historic for India’s relations with Europe. This is also important for Norway because the EU is its largest trading partner. In such a situation, India-Europe economic integration is also a positive sign for Oslo.
Support of free trade in the era of tariff war
Amidst increasing protectionism and tariff war in the global economy, Norway has openly adopted a stance in favor of free trade. Referring to US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, which have also impacted India and European countries, Steiner said a small and open economy like Norway has benefited immensely from free trade. He said, ‘We believe in the rules-based multilateral system and are in favor of removing trade barriers, not increasing them.’
Norway’s stance on Trump’s claim on Nobel Peace Prize
The Norwegian ambassador also clarified her position on US President Trump’s repeated claims regarding the Nobel Peace Prize. He said that the Norwegian government has no interference in the Nobel Prize selection process. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is an independent organization. These decisions are completely independent and international in nature.
Greenland dispute and Norway’s role in NATO
Responding to recent comments by the US leadership regarding Greenland, Steiner said that Norway supports Denmark’s sovereignty. He said Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and Norway, being a founding member of NATO, will continue to work within the framework of the alliance on security in the Arctic region.
Norway’s participation in AI summit to be held in India
Speaking on tech diplomacy, the Norwegian Ambassador confirmed that Norway will participate in the AI ​​Summit to be held in India next month. Supporting India’s initiative to democratize AI, he said that Norway’s Digitalization Minister will lead a large delegation, which will also include prominent business leaders. This is being considered as a sign of taking technology cooperation between India and Norway to a new height.
Peace Initiative on Gaza and Ukraine
On President Trump’s proposed Board of Peace initiative regarding Gaza, Steiner said that Norway has received the invitation, but it has raised some questions regarding its association with the United Nations. He explained that Norway did not participate in the signing ceremony in Davos because it is important to understand how the initiative links to UN structures. However, he reiterated that Norway supports all genuine efforts to achieve peace in Gaza and end the Ukraine war.
Future of India-Norway relations and PM Modi’s visit
Ambassador Steiner said that India-Norway relations are moving in a stable and positive direction, underpinned by the new trade agreement and growing business interest. He also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Norway this year, where he will participate in the India-Nordic Summit. This visit will further strengthen the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.
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