India Norway Dialogue Reviews Trade And TEPA Role

22 Apr 2026 CW Team

Both sides noted trade growth and officials highlighted that India’s exports to Norway rose from US$ 270 million (mn) in 2014 to US$ 439 mn in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of about five per cent. Services exports were recorded at US$ 876 mn in 2024. Delegates agreed to intensify efforts to diversify trade and promote mutually beneficial business initiatives.

Discussions covered early opportunities from TEPA implementation, including duty free access for a range of agricultural and allied products that could expand participation by women entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers and fishermen in export value chains. The forum also addressed implementation issues such as tariff reduction benefits, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, product registration and certification, and regulatory frameworks. Officials noted the EFTA Desk under Invest India to support EFTA businesses.

Sectoral cooperation explored energy, skill development, maritime cooperation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, tourism and MSMEs with emphasis on renewable energy, green hydrogen and low carbon solutions, digitisation of port operations and sustainable shipping practices. The Norwegian delegation indicated active promotion of TEPA and growing investment interest from sovereign and development funds in renewable projects. Both sides agreed to intensify high level visits, industry exchanges and business missions.

Both sides welcomed plans to commemorate the first anniversary of TEPA during the Prosperity Summit on one October 2026 and agreed regular quarterly consultations to address trade and business issues. The Dialogue reaffirmed India’s commitment to a dynamic, sustainable and innovation led partnership with Norway and the EFTA countries.

The third India–Norway Dialogue on Trade and Investment met in New Delhi on 16 April 2026, co chaired by senior officials from both governments. It was the first session since the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, TEPA, entered into force on one October 2025 and officials emphasised TEPA’s role in advancing cooperation. Both sides noted trade growth and officials highlighted that India’s exports to Norway rose from US$ 270 million (mn) in 2014 to US$ 439 mn in 2025, reflecting an average annual growth rate of about five per cent. Services exports were recorded at US$ 876 mn in 2024. Delegates agreed to intensify efforts to diversify trade and promote mutually beneficial business initiatives. Discussions covered early opportunities from TEPA implementation, including duty free access for a range of agricultural and allied products that could expand participation by women entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers and fishermen in export value chains. The forum also addressed implementation issues such as tariff reduction benefits, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, product registration and certification, and regulatory frameworks. Officials noted the EFTA Desk under Invest India to support EFTA businesses. Sectoral cooperation explored energy, skill development, maritime cooperation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, tourism and MSMEs with emphasis on renewable energy, green hydrogen and low carbon solutions, digitisation of port operations and sustainable shipping practices. The Norwegian delegation indicated active promotion of TEPA and growing investment interest from sovereign and development funds in renewable projects. Both sides agreed to intensify high level visits, industry exchanges and business missions. Both sides welcomed plans to commemorate the first anniversary of TEPA during the Prosperity Summit on one October 2026 and agreed regular quarterly consultations to address trade and business issues. The Dialogue reaffirmed India’s commitment to a dynamic, sustainable and innovation led partnership with Norway and the EFTA countries.

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