An Indian PM hasn’t been to Norway in 43 years; so why now?

The visit is being seen as part of India’s broader effort to avoid being trapped in a US-China binary and instead build stronger ties with technologically advanced and politically reliable middle powers.

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The Nordic outreach also comes at a time when the United States and China are attempting to stabilise ties through high-level talks, even as nations quietly reposition themselves for future global competition.

Strategic push

India’s engagement with the Nordic region is “not just another diplomatic tour” but part of a larger strategic recalibration.

Geopolitical expert and The Federal’s Consulting Editor KS Dakshina Murthy said India is pragmatically expanding its global partnerships amid uncertainties in ties with both the US and China. “It’s become very important for India to really spread its relationship with other countries as well. And the Nordic countries and Europe in general are amongst the top targets,” he said.

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“There is an element of uncertainty that has crept in in the relationship between India and the US. And also India and China, there has always been a certain level of tension. So it’s very practical, and probably the most pragmatic thing to do is to look at Europe,” he added.

Why Nordics

The Nordic countries — Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland — may be small in size, but they are global leaders in key sectors India needs for its next phase of growth.

These include offshore wind energy, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, maritime technology, and advanced manufacturing.

The centrepiece of the visit is the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo, where discussions are expected to focus heavily on clean energy partnerships, digital innovation, and resilient supply chains.

The timing is also significant because the visit comes soon after the India-EFTA trade agreement came into force, opening the door for greater investments into India.

Economic angle

One investment possibility that stands out is from Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, one of the largest in the world, which could channel significant capital into India following the trade agreement.

Climate journalist Mahima Jain said India can learn from Nordic models but must adapt them carefully to Indian realities. “I think it’s good to take inspiration from there, from the Nordic region, and then try to figure out how it works here,” she said.

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“Without understanding the nuances of the Indian context, we cannot just bring in the technology and expect it to work,” Jain added.

The visit also has a strong economic and manufacturing angle as global companies increasingly look to shift supply chains away from China under the “China Plus One” strategy.

Arctic focus

India wants to position itself as a trusted democratic manufacturing alternative for global businesses. For Nordic countries too, India represents not just a large market but also a politically stable democratic partner in an increasingly uncertain world.

Another key dimension of the visit is the Arctic region, where China has been steadily expanding its presence.

India is now looking to deepen cooperation with Nordic nations on Arctic governance, polar research, and maritime security as global shipping routes become strategically more important.

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The visit also carries symbolic weight. Notably, this is the first time in over four decades that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Norway.

Bigger strategy

At its core, the visit reflects India’s broader attempt to build strategic depth and maintain autonomy in a rapidly changing global order.

India’s Nordic outreach is really about one thing — making sure India has enough partnerships, enough options, and enough strategic depth to stay autonomous, resilient, and competitive, no matter how the big power dynamics play out.