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11th INDIA-NORWAY FOC

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 5/15/2024 7:57:07 AM

NEW DELHI, MAY 14 The 11th India-Norway Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on 14th May 2024 in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The Norwegian delegation was led by Mr Torgeir Larsen, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway. The last FOC took place in Oslo in November 2022. The relationship between India and Norway is marked by excellent political exchanges, and extensive bilateral institutional mechanisms. Cooperation in the Blue Economy for sustainable development, including in marine and maritime sectors, is the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Acknowledging the strong collaboration in various sectors, both sides discussed ways to expand and diversify bilateral cooperation in the fields of Blue Economy, Renewable energy, Climate & Environment, CCUS, Green hydrogen, Solar and Wind projects, Green shipping, Fisheries, Water-management, Space cooperation, cooperation in the Arctic, Education and Culture. They also lauded the signing of India-EFTA TEPA this year in March 2024, and hoped to expedite the implementation of the agreement at the earliest, which will further enhance bilateral trade and investment. Both sides also had preliminary discussions about the next India-Nordic Summit, which is expected to be held later this year in Oslo. They also exchanged views on UN reforms, especially in the context of the Summit of the Future. There was a good exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of consultations in Oslo at a mutually convenient date.