The Prime Ministers of the Nordic countries and India stand behind their respective podiums in Oslo City Hall.
Nordic and Indian Prime Ministers meet the press together at Oslo City Hall after today's meetings. Credit: Ragnhild Simenstad / Office of the Prime Minister of Norway

As delivered

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome,

Today, the Nordic Prime Ministers have met with the Prime Minister of India for the third meeting in a Nordic-Indian context. I have been very happy to host Prime Minister Modi here in Oslo.

And today we have had a good meeting and good discussions on topics on the international agenda.

I think this meeting is a manifestation of what a more unpredictable world really needs: More cooperation and collaboration between democracies. And despite differences in geography and size and history, we have common approach to how we take on the big issues of our times.

We had important discussions on global security, economic cooperation and the growing geopolitical challenges that we all face – the Nordic countries and India.

We have focused on support for international law, a rule-based order – that also needs reforms and progress – and also emphasizing the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine – and finding a way, diplomatically, on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

We also discussed security, trade and how to deepen our economic relations after we all have now free trade deals – between the EFTA countries and India, and the European Union and India.

So, in a time marked by wars in Europe and in the Middle East, huge challenges in the supply chains and in energy markets, we really have to step up our voice, speak out at the right locations, and today has given us a good opportunity to unite around positions that we can take forward – together and in different fora.

Thank you all for being here – and Prime Minister Modi, the floor is yours.