Norway and India are stepping up maritime cooperation, with a focus on sustainable shipping and innovation. Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss met with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Mumbai this week to discuss how the two nations can work together to make shipping greener and safer.
Norway, with its complete maritime cluster, and India, the world’s most populous country with a long maritime tradition, are natural partners in this effort. “Together, we can make shipping greener and safer,” Næss said, highlighting the potential for collaboration between the two countries.
The visit to Mumbai provided an opportunity for Næss to meet with Prime Minister Modi, who attended the event to underscore India’s maritime ambitions. She also held discussions with Minister Sonowal to explore ways to strengthen maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Norway’s strong presence in Mumbai was evident at the maritime fair, where companies such as Kongsberg Maritime, DNV, Jotun, and Marinor showcased solutions for low-emission technology, digitalisation, and safety at sea. Norwegian maritime expertise is in high demand in India, with around 70 percent of Norwegian companies in the country operating within maritime, offshore, or oil- and gas-related activities.
“Norway has long been a driving force for the green transition in the maritime sector. We now see that our experience is in demand in India as well. Norwegian actors already have a strong foothold here, and the potential for further cooperation is significant,” Næss said, emphasizing the opportunities for Norwegian companies in India’s rapidly developing market.
India is also an important recruitment country for Norwegian shipping, with over three thousand Indian seafarers working on Norwegian-controlled vessels at any given time. Companies like Wilhelmsen and Kongsberg Maritime have an established presence in the country, focusing on crewing, training, and technology development.
The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between the EFTA states and India, which entered into force on 1 October, is expected to improve market access and provide more predictable framework conditions for Norwegian exporters and service providers. “The Government seeks the most open international trade possible and has signed trade agreements with several countries since 2024. The agreement with India provides more predictable conditions for Norwegian companies and creates new opportunities for cooperation. We will continue to work to improve market access for international shipping,” Næss said.
This collaboration between Norway and India could shape the future of sustainable shipping, with both countries bringing their unique strengths to the table. As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions and adopt greener technologies, this partnership could serve as a model for other nations looking to make shipping more environmentally friendly and safer.