Norway backs India for NSG, Security Council

In a boost for India’s quest to join global export control regimes, Norway, a non-proliferation hawk, has supported New Delhi’s bid to join Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Nuclear Suppliers Group. Oslo also strongly backed New Delhi’s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

India and Norway held their 5^th session of India-Norway Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi on November 2 which was co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Norway’s Foreign Minister Borge Brende. The two sides held discussions on an entire spectrum of bilateral and global issues, including trade and investment, security, energy and the UNSC reforms.

Norway supports India’s bid for membership of MTCR, NSG and the UN Security Council, said Mr Brende. Buoyed by the NSG waiver and the India-US nuclear deal, India has been pitching for entry into top nuclear export regimes, including Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group.

India and Norway are set to upscale their economic ties by launching a Dialogue on Trade and Investment under the Joint Commission Meeting. The two ministers also discussed the Middle East Peace Process, refugee crisis in Europe, WTO, Climate change, Syria crisis and India’s neighbourhood.

Partnering in Development

“India has a vision of development of India over the next decade wherein India would like Norway to engage in the creation of the next generation infrastructure including ports, roads and railways, establishment of smart cities, revival of heritage cities, rejuvenation of our river Ganga and other rivers, development of hydro-power and cooperation in clean technologies,” said Ms Swaraj. “India and Norway have active cooperation in fisheries / marine resources covering such diverse fields as Krill Fishing, Trout Farming, Marine Cage Culture, and Mapping of Stocks,” she added.

The relations between India and Norway are expanding across the spectrum, including oil and gas, shipping and maritime industries, renewable energy and service sectors. Bilateral trade was estimated to be around USD 742 million in 2013. Norwegian investments in India stood at USD 8 billion in 2013. There are many Norwegian companies present in India through joint ventures or wholly owned subsidiaries.

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