India and Norway to Deepen Maritime Partnership at September Joint Working Group Talks

India and Norway are set to expand cooperation across shipping, shipbuilding and green maritime technologies as the Secretary of India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways visits Norway on 2–3 September 2026 for a bilateral Joint Working Group meeting and a business roundtable with the Norwegian shipping industry.

The discussions are expected to focus on shipbuilding, green shipping, alternative marine fuels, port decarbonisation, seafarer training and ship recycling, reflecting the growing importance of maritime cooperation within the wider India–Norway relationship.

Norway is one of the world’s leading maritime technology and shipping nations, while India is seeking to expand its shipbuilding capacity, maritime workforce and green-port infrastructure under its long-term maritime development strategy. The two countries therefore bring complementary strengths to the partnership.

One visible example of this cooperation is the construction of vessels for Norwegian customers at Pipavav in Gujarat. These ships involve Norwegian design and classification expertise and are being developed with advanced hybrid propulsion systems, Ice Class capability and provisions for future conversion to fuels such as methanol or LNG.

Green shipping is emerging as another major area of collaboration. India and Norway are discussing technologies such as shore power, cleaner marine fuels, green-fuel bunkering and environmentally sustainable port operations. These initiatives are intended to help reduce emissions from shipping while supporting the wider transition towards low-carbon maritime transport.

The seafaring relationship between the two countries is already substantial. According to the Embassy of India in Oslo, nearly 7,000 Indian seafarers currently serve aboard Norwegian vessels, accounting for around 10% of crews on Norway-linked ships. Norwegian shipping companies have also developed recruitment and training links with India.

Ship recycling forms another important part of bilateral cooperation. Norway has worked with Indian yards to improve environmental and safety standards in line with international ship-recycling requirements, strengthening India’s position in the global recycling industry.

The September Joint Working Group comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May 2026, when both countries agreed to deepen cooperation under a broader Green Strategic Partnership, including green shipping, sustainable ports and ocean-based industries.

The upcoming talks are therefore expected to move the relationship from broad policy commitments towards more concrete commercial and technological projects. With Norwegian-linked ships already being built in India, thousands of Indian seafarers employed on Norwegian vessels and cooperation expanding into clean fuels and green ports, the India–Norway maritime partnership is increasingly developing into a broader industrial and strategic relationship.

Source: Embassy Information: https://www.indianembassyoslo.gov.in/page/india-norway-relations-info/?utm_source=chatgpt.com