The third session of the India-Norway Joint Commission was held in Oslo on June 18-19, 2008. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Anand Sharma, Minister of State for External Affairs of India and the Norwegian delegation was led by Mr. Raymond Johansen, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
24/06/2008 :: The two sides exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. The two delegations noted with satisfaction that bilateral relations have expanded very positively since the second meeting of the Joint Commission in December 2006.
The two delegations at the third meeting of India-Norway Joint Commission
The progress in the following sectors was highlighted – oil and energy, ship-building, hydro power, science and technology, research including polar research, education, culture, finance, environment and climate, and child health. The two delegations emphasised the need to continue to support cooperation in these fields.
Some specific measures were taken and established during the visit:
An agreement was signed on the cooperation on higher education.
The bilateral political dialogue will be strengthened.
Diplomats from the two countries will be offered training in respective capitals.
India will be invited to participate in the next ministerial meeting in the Artic Council in April 2009.
Norway will develop a new India strategy.
During his stay in Norway, the Minister of State for External Affairs of India, called on Mr. Thorbjørn Jagland, President of the Norwegian Parliament. He also met with Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign affairs, Mr. Erik Solheim, Minister of the environment and International Development, Ms. Tora Aasland, Minister of Research and Higher Education and Ms. Liv Monica Stubholt, State Secretary, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.
RNE, New Delhi