- Why in news
- On 18 May 2026, PM Modi held talks with Norway's PM Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. They agreed to raise ties to a Green Strategic Partnership.
- What it is
- Norway is a Nordic country and a member of EFTA, which also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. India and Norway cooperate on oceans, shipping, renewable energy and polar research. The new partnership puts green growth at the centre of this relationship.
- New status
- The two leaders agreed to elevate ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, stressing sustainability and green growth.
- TEPA investment goal
- Business is urged to work towards the USD 100 billion investment commitment under TEPA and one million jobs in India.
- Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
- Norway's joining of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative was welcomed, and both reaffirmed UNCLOS principles.
- UNSC support
- Norway reiterated support for India's permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council.
- EFTA members
- EFTA has four members: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
Don’t confuse with EFTA vs EU: Norway is in EFTA and the European Economic Area but is not a member of the European Union.
Don’t confuse with Strategic vs Green Strategic Partnership: A Green Strategic Partnership is a strategic tie with a focus on climate, clean energy and sustainable growth.
International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.
Why it matters
- Gives India a partner in clean energy, shipping and ocean technology.
- Helps deliver the India-EFTA TEPA investment and jobs goals.
Problems
- Investment targets depend on private firms, not governments.
- Norway's oil and gas economy sits uneasily with climate goals.
Way forward
- Set clear timelines and tracking for TEPA investment.
- Turn the working groups and technology talks into joint projects.
Put in your answer
TEPA target: USD 100 billion investment and one million jobs in India under India-EFTA TEPA.
Niche technologies: Cooperation sought in carbon capture, utilization and storage and offshore wind.
- 2018Mains GS1 · Q5Why India takes keen interest in Arctic Region resources
- 2013Mains GS3 · Q11Write a note on India's green energy corridor for conventional energy
- 2018Mains GS3 · Q1Comment on India's progress on affordable, sustainable energy for SDGs
- 2024Prelims Q8Which of Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia meet a stated criterion?
- 2026Prelims Q21Statements on India's LT-LEDS, net-zero 2070 and climate-resilient development
- 2026Prelims Q35Statements on Sagarmala's port-led growth, shipping and maritime innovation goals
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Ties elevated to Green Strategic Partnership; TEPA investment target of USD 100 billion. International items drew 61 Prelims questions, but bilateral upgrades are seldom asked.
Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.