Indo-Norwegian Ocean Cooperation
The India and Norway have signed a Letter of Intent confirming that they will develop a new framework for collaboration on Integrated Ocean Management and Research.
The LoI was signed by Norwegian Ambassador to India Nina Rør, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway, M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Dr. Sumita Misra, Senior Adviser, Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister of India.
“Managing the resources in the oceans in a sustainable manner is a matter of mutual interest and concern for both countries,” said Minister for Earth Sciences Dr Harsh Vardhan
“The fact that Norway and India are commencing a new initiative is a signal that the cooperation between the two countries is growing even stronger, making the Indo-Norwegian Ocean Cooperation a key pillar in the bilateral relationship,” said Dr Vardhan at the MoU signing ceremony on 18 Feb 2020.
“The Norway-India cooperation in the field of oceans is based on our shared interest in the blue economy and the sustainable use of marine resources, as well as a desire to advance scientific knowledge about our oceans,” elaborated Norway’s Minister for Climate and Environment Sveinung Rotevatn
Norway and India are engaging on ways to ensure integrated ocean management at the government level.
At the same time, Norwegian companies and private institutions are increasingly seeking opportunities with Indian counterparts, making India an even more significant partner for Norway, he said.
The India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development was launched jointly by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, during her visit to India in January 2019.
The purpose of the task force is to develop and follow up joint initiatives between the two countries. The meeting on 18 February 2020 is the third meeting of the Task Force.
The strength and value added of the India-Norway Joint Task Force on Blue Economy is its ability to mobilise relevant stakeholders from both Norway and India at the highest level and ensure continued commitment and progress across ministries and agencies. fiinews.com
