160 Norwegian Companies Operating in India as Bilateral Trade and Investment Partnership Expands

India has emerged as an important destination for Norwegian businesses, with approximately 160 Norwegian companies operating across the country in sectors including renewable energy, maritime engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, healthcare and environmental services. Their growing commercial presence reflects the expanding economic relationship between India and Norway, supported by investment cooperation and the implementation of the India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

Norway’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Astrid Bergmål, highlighted the presence of these companies during the second India–EFTA Prosperity Summit, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on October 7, 2026. The summit marked the first anniversary of the implementation of the trade agreement between India and the four EFTA countries—Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the summit brought together government representatives, business leaders and investors to review progress under the agreement and explore opportunities for expanding industrial cooperation. Companies from the EFTA countries also announced manufacturing investments, business expansions and employment initiatives in India.

Norway’s growing business engagement is particularly significant because its companies possess established capabilities in offshore engineering, shipping technologies, renewable energy, industrial equipment and environmental solutions. These strengths complement India’s expanding manufacturing sector, infrastructure development programmes and growing demand for advanced technologies.

Norway’s Commercial Presence in India Reaches 160 Companies

The presence of approximately 160 Norwegian companies in India reflects sustained commercial engagement between the two countries across several industries. Norwegian businesses participate in activities ranging from energy production and maritime engineering to industrial manufacturing, food processing, specialised equipment and digital services.

The figure was reiterated by Astrid Bergmål at the India–EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, 2026. It had also been highlighted by the Norwegian government during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May 2026, demonstrating the established scale of Norwegian commercial participation in the Indian economy.

Among the Norwegian companies with business interests in India are Equinor, Aker Solutions, DNV, Kongsberg Maritime, Yara, Jotun and Orkla. These enterprises operate in different industrial segments and contribute expertise in energy, engineering, maritime technologies, agricultural inputs, paints and consumer products.

Norwegian companies have established their presence in India through subsidiaries, manufacturing facilities, service operations, technical partnerships and commercial arrangements. Their activities serve domestic customers while also connecting Indian businesses with international industrial networks.

The implementation of the India–EFTA trade agreement provides an additional framework for expanding these relationships through improved market access, investment cooperation and closer engagement between businesses.

India–EFTA Trade Agreement Strengthens Investment Opportunities

The India–European Free Trade Association Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force on October 1, 2025, establishing a new framework for trade and investment cooperation between India and the four EFTA member countries.

The agreement followed approximately 16 years of negotiations and represents India’s first comprehensive trade agreement with the EFTA grouping. It covers trade in goods and services, investment promotion, intellectual property, sustainable development and other areas of economic cooperation.

A central feature of TEPA is the collective commitment by the EFTA countries to promote investments of $100 billion in India over 15 years and facilitate the creation of one million direct jobs. These objectives apply to the four EFTA countries collectively rather than Norway alone.

The agreement also provides greater market access for Indian exports. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, EFTA’s tariff concessions cover 92.2% of tariff lines, representing approximately 99.6% of India’s exports to the grouping.

For Norwegian companies, improved access to the Indian market creates opportunities to expand manufacturing, introduce specialised technologies and develop partnerships with Indian enterprises. Indian businesses can similarly benefit from stronger commercial connections with Norway and other EFTA markets.

The agreement provides a foundation for long-term economic engagement, encouraging businesses to explore opportunities in industrial manufacturing, renewable energy, engineering, digital services and other sectors.

Norwegian Companies Strengthen India’s Energy Sector

Energy cooperation represents an important component of Norwegian commercial activity in India. Norwegian enterprises possess established capabilities in offshore oil and gas production, renewable energy, hydrogen technologies and industrial engineering, creating opportunities for cooperation with India’s expanding energy industry.

Equinor, one of Norway’s major energy companies, has developed commercial relationships with Indian enterprises in natural gas and renewable energy. In February 2024, Equinor signed a 15-year agreement with Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation Limited for the supply of approximately 650,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.

The agreement supports industrial ammonia manufacturing in India and represents an important example of Norwegian participation in the country’s energy supply chain. During her October 2026 visit, Astrid Bergmål confirmed that the first LNG delivery under the arrangement had arrived in Gujarat earlier in the year.

Norwegian expertise in offshore wind, carbon capture, hydrogen production and energy infrastructure also provides opportunities for cooperation in India’s energy transition. As India expands renewable electricity generation and develops green hydrogen manufacturing, partnerships with technologically advanced companies can support industrial development and specialised engineering capabilities.

Aker Solutions and Kongsberg Maritime Support Industrial and Maritime Cooperation

Norwegian engineering companies have established an important presence in sectors connected with India’s industrial and maritime development.

Aker Solutions provides engineering and technology services for energy infrastructure, including offshore installations, subsea systems and associated industrial equipment. Its capabilities are relevant to India’s offshore energy industry and the development of specialised engineering services.

Kongsberg Maritime supplies technologies used in commercial shipping, vessel automation, propulsion systems, navigation and maritime operations. These technologies are relevant to India’s growing shipbuilding industry and efforts to improve the efficiency of maritime transportation.

India is expanding its shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure through programmes focused on port modernisation, indigenous vessel construction and the development of advanced marine technologies. Cooperation with Norwegian engineering companies can complement domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthen access to specialised technological expertise.

The presence of established Norwegian maritime enterprises also supports opportunities for collaboration in vessel design, offshore engineering, digital navigation and energy-efficient shipping systems.

DNV Contributes Expertise in Maritime Safety and Industrial Standards

DNV, an internationally recognised Norwegian assurance and risk management organisation, operates in India across maritime, energy and industrial sectors.

The company provides classification, certification, technical assurance and advisory services relevant to shipbuilding, offshore energy, renewable power and industrial infrastructure.

Maritime classification and technical certification play important roles in verifying that vessels and industrial systems comply with applicable safety and engineering standards. These services support the development and operation of commercial ships, offshore structures and specialised industrial equipment.

DNV’s activities are particularly relevant to India’s expanding maritime industry, where new shipbuilding projects and advanced vessel technologies require specialised testing, inspection and certification.

Its expertise in energy systems and industrial risk management also complements India’s increasing investment in renewable electricity generation and associated infrastructure.

The company’s presence illustrates the importance of technical services and international standards in supporting India’s industrial development.

Norwegian Companies Participate in Fertilisers and Industrial Manufacturing

Norway’s commercial involvement in India extends to agricultural inputs, industrial chemicals, protective coatings and consumer products.

Yara, a Norwegian company specialising in crop nutrition and agricultural solutions, has established a presence in India’s fertiliser industry. Its operations connect Norwegian expertise in crop nutrition and fertiliser technologies with India’s agricultural requirements.

Jotun, another established Norwegian enterprise, operates in paints and protective coatings. Such products have applications in industrial manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, shipping and offshore equipment.

Protective coatings are particularly important in marine and industrial environments because they help protect metal structures and equipment from corrosion, environmental exposure and operational wear.

Orkla, a Norwegian industrial investment and consumer products group, also has business interests in India. Its activities illustrate the diversity of Norwegian participation in the Indian economy beyond heavy industry and infrastructure.

These companies demonstrate how bilateral economic cooperation extends across manufacturing, agriculture, consumer products and specialised industrial technologies.

Clean Energy and Green Hydrogen Offer Opportunities for Industrial Collaboration

India and Norway have identified renewable energy, hydrogen technologies and other low-emission industrial solutions as important areas for expanding cooperation.

Norway has developed technical capabilities in hydropower, offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. India possesses a large and expanding renewable energy market, supported by domestic manufacturing programmes and investment in clean energy infrastructure.

The complementary strengths of the two countries were highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May 2026. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasised opportunities for cooperation in offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage.

India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission provides a framework for developing domestic green hydrogen production, electrolyser manufacturing and related infrastructure. Norwegian companies can participate in this emerging sector through technology partnerships, equipment supplies and industrial cooperation.

Offshore wind power is another area of shared interest. Norway’s experience in marine engineering and offshore operations offers opportunities for technical collaboration as India develops its offshore wind industry.

These sectors provide a foundation for strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation while supporting India’s expanding clean energy manufacturing capabilities.

India–Norway Business Engagement Expands Under TEPA

The second India–EFTA Prosperity Summit, held on October 7, 2026, provided a platform for reviewing economic cooperation and encouraging additional business partnerships.

The summit brought together representatives from the governments and business communities of India, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Discussions focused on improving investment conditions, strengthening industrial cooperation and encouraging businesses to utilise opportunities created by TEPA.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, companies from the EFTA countries announced new manufacturing facilities, business expansions and employment initiatives in India.

The summit also included business-to-business sessions covering smart and advanced manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, the blue economy and maritime technologies, and clean energy and climate innovation.

These sectors are particularly relevant to Norway because of its established industrial capabilities in marine engineering, environmental technologies, energy systems and specialised manufacturing.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held a bilateral meeting with Astrid Bergmål on the sidelines of the summit, reinforcing institutional engagement between the two countries.

The discussions highlighted the role of government cooperation in supporting commercial partnerships and encouraging greater participation by businesses.

India and Norway Strengthen Research and Technology Partnerships

Scientific research and technological cooperation form another important dimension of the India–Norway relationship.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May 2026, both countries highlighted their growing collaboration in research, higher education and advanced technologies.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre referred to approximately 70 joint research projects involving Norwegian and Indian institutions, including cooperation in nanotechnology and medicine.

These partnerships bring together universities, research institutions and specialised scientific organisations to address technological and industrial challenges.

Scientific cooperation provides opportunities to strengthen capabilities in renewable energy, environmental technologies, maritime engineering, healthcare and materials research.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has also pursued cooperation with Norwegian institutions in areas such as clean energy, geosciences and sustainable industrial technologies.

Such collaborations strengthen the connection between academic research and industrial innovation while encouraging the development of technologies with potential commercial applications.

The expanding research relationship complements the presence of Norwegian companies in India by creating opportunities for cooperation between industry, universities and scientific institutions.

Trade Agreement Opens New Markets for Indian Exporters

The India–EFTA trade agreement provides opportunities not only for Norwegian investment in India but also for Indian businesses seeking to expand exports to advanced European markets.

Under the agreement, EFTA’s tariff commitments cover 92.2% of tariff lines, representing approximately 99.6% of India’s exports to the grouping. The concessions provide improved market access for Indian products across several industrial and commercial categories.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has identified engineering goods, chemicals, textiles and processed foods among the sectors that can benefit from improved market access.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal encouraged Indian exporters to develop long-term supply relationships with businesses in the EFTA countries and participate more actively in international value chains.

He also emphasised the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers and strengthening product quality to improve access to high-income markets.

For Norwegian and Indian companies, the agreement creates opportunities to develop partnerships involving manufacturing, technology transfer, specialised services and industrial supply chains.

The growing commercial presence of Norwegian enterprises provides an established foundation for developing these opportunities.

India–Norway Partnership Supports Manufacturing and Investment Growth

The presence of approximately 160 Norwegian companies in India demonstrates the scale and diversity of commercial engagement between the two countries.

Norwegian enterprises contribute expertise in energy, maritime engineering, fertilisers, industrial coatings, technology services and other sectors that support India’s industrial development.

The implementation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement has created a broader framework for strengthening these relationships through improved market access and investment cooperation.

The India–EFTA Prosperity Summit in October 2026 reinforced the commitment of both sides to expanding trade, encouraging new industrial projects and strengthening business partnerships.

The growing engagement also complements the India–Norway Green Strategic Partnership established in May 2026, which provides additional opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy, maritime technologies, research and sustainable development.

As Indian industries expand their manufacturing and technological capabilities, Norwegian companies are positioned to participate in emerging opportunities across clean energy, advanced engineering, maritime infrastructure and digital technologies.

The continuing development of trade, investment and research partnerships is strengthening India–Norway economic relations and contributing to the expansion of international industrial cooperation.

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References

1. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India – October 7, 2026: India and EFTA States Mark First Year of TEPA with Investment Announcements and Success Stories
2. Government of Norway – May 2026: Norway and India to Strengthen Cooperation
3. Office of the Prime Minister of Norway – May 2026: Speech at the Dinner in Honour of the Official Visit of India’s Prime Minister
4. Government of Norway – May 2026: Official Announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Norway
5. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India – October 7, 2026: Commerce Secretary Calls for Greater Utilisation of India–EFTA TEPA Opportunities
6. Equinor – February 19, 2024: Equinor Signs 15-Year LNG Agreement with Deepak Fertilisers

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