Oslo, Sep 12 (IANS) – India and Norway convened their inaugural Maritime Security, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Dialogue in Oslo, focusing on strengthening cooperation to ensure a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Indian delegation was led by Muanpuii Saiawi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Norwegian side was headed by Jon Elvedal Fredriksen, Director General of the Department for Security Policy and the High North, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the MEA, both sides discussed ways to reinforce international and regional mechanisms for maritime security, including countering illicit activities at sea and safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure. They also reviewed ongoing cooperation initiatives and agreed to expand collaboration in the maritime domain.
The dialogue further covered global developments in disarmament, non-proliferation, and multilateral cooperation. The two countries agreed to hold the next round of talks in New Delhi on a mutually convenient date.
The meeting comes as India and Norway continue to deepen their partnership. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Støre on his re-election, expressing optimism about working together to enhance bilateral ties. Støre’s Labour Party-led bloc recently secured victory in Norway’s general elections.
In June, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal also explored new avenues of maritime cooperation during discussions with Norwegian ministers at the Nor-Shipping event in Oslo.
