Context:
India and Norway are strengthening their bilateral cooperation in areas of maritime logistics, green shipping, Arctic research, blue economy, and environmental sustainability. This aligns with both countries’ global climate commitments and maritime ambitions.
Key Highlights of the India–Norway Cooperation (2024–25)
1. Maritime Sector Collaboration
Joint Working Group on Maritime Cooperation revived (2024)
Focus on:
Port digitization
Maritime logistics optimization
Green hydrogen for shipping fuel
Decarbonization of port operations
Indian ports being aligned with IMO’s Green Corridors Project
2. Arctic Research & Polar Collaboration
Norway supports India’s Himadri Arctic Research Station (Svalbard, Norway)
Collaboration on polar climate research, marine biodiversity, and ocean acidification
India is an observer in the Arctic Council; Norway is a key Arctic stakeholder
3. Environmental & Climate Diplomacy
Joint action under India–Norway Ocean Dialogue
Focus on:
Marine litter and plastic pollution
Circular economy in marine resources
International Solar Alliance and climate adaptation
4. Blue Economy Partnership
Sustainable fisheries management
Marine spatial planning
Eco-tourism & livelihood enhancement in coastal states
Institutional Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Description |
|---|---|
| India–Norway Ocean Dialogue | Launched in 2020 to enhance cooperation in marine pollution, science & tech, and SDG-14 |
| Joint Working Group on Maritime | Revived in 2024 to promote logistics, ship-building, and digitization |
| MoU on Environment Cooperation | Includes collaboration on zero-emission shipping, and marine ecosystem health |
Relevance for UPSC GS Papers
GS2 – International Relations
Bilateral diplomacy on non-traditional issues (climate, oceans, Arctic)
Strategic cooperation with a NATO member in the Arctic region
GS3 – Environment & Economy
Ocean economy as part of Sustainable Development Goal 14
Green shipping & hydrogen economy
Marine pollution control
Credits:
Information compiled from The Hindu, PIB
