India is an “Ascending Power” Crucial to Global Solutions: Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik at Raisina Dialogue

New Delhi: Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik on Monday described India as a rapidly rising global force whose participation is becoming indispensable in solving major international challenges.

Speaking during interactions on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, the Norwegian diplomat said the international community increasingly recognises that key global issues cannot be effectively addressed without India playing a central role.

Kravik, who has been serving as Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister since August 2023, said the transformation in India’s global posture is visible in the confidence with which its policymakers now approach international affairs.

According to him, India today engages with the world not merely as a participant but as a decisive stakeholder capable of shaping outcomes in global governance, trade and geopolitics.

He emphasised that efforts to reform major global institutions, particularly those governing international trade, will remain incomplete without India’s involvement.

Norway, he said, views India as a crucial partner in building a more balanced and representative global order.

Highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries, Kravik said India and Norway share deep and expanding ties across economic, technological and strategic sectors.

Both countries are closely integrated with global markets and international political processes, making their cooperation increasingly significant.

The Norwegian minister pointed to green technology and the blue economy as areas where collaboration between the two nations could grow rapidly.

Norway possesses advanced technological expertise in ocean-based industries, renewable energy and maritime innovation, while India’s expanding market and technological capabilities offer opportunities for scaling such solutions on a global level.

He noted that cooperation in these sectors could play an important role in addressing climate challenges, promoting sustainable development and strengthening economic links between the two countries.

Referring to the trade agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Kravik said the pact is already beginning to create momentum in economic relations.

Although the agreement has only recently come into effect, early signs suggest increased commercial engagement and rising interest from Norwegian businesses looking to expand operations in India.

According to him, the agreement offers greater predictability and stability for companies in both countries.

Norwegian enterprises are increasingly exploring opportunities in India, while Indian firms are also strengthening their presence in European markets through the framework provided by the pact.

However, he acknowledged that the full potential of the agreement is yet to be realised. Both governments, he said, are keen to see the economic relationship deepen further in the coming years.

Turning to global geopolitics, Kravik expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that another major conflict in the region could have severe humanitarian and economic consequences.

He said the Middle East is already grappling with deep political instability and humanitarian challenges, and a new war risks further destabilising the region. Such conflicts, he noted, rarely remain confined to the countries directly involved and often have ripple effects across global markets.

Kravik expressed concern over the recent escalation involving Iran, Israel and the United States, noting that military actions in the region have raised serious questions regarding adherence to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

At the same time, he also criticised retaliatory actions that have affected third countries and risk widening the conflict further.

He warned that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are already affecting global energy markets.

Fluctuations in oil and gas prices, he said, could create economic pressure for developing countries such as India, which are currently undergoing rapid economic expansion and infrastructure development.

While avoiding predictions about how long the crisis might last, Kravik expressed hope that diplomatic efforts could soon produce a pathway towards de-escalation.

He noted that Norway has a long tradition of involvement in international peace processes and mediation efforts.

Over the decades, Oslo has played an important role in facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties across different regions of the world.

According to him, Norway continues to engage with several stakeholders in the Middle East to encourage diplomatic solutions and prevent further escalation.

Discussing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Kravik reiterated Norway’s strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion, describing it as a violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

At the same time, he acknowledged that a lasting resolution to the conflict will eventually require negotiations. Norway’s position, he said, is that any peace agreement must ultimately be acceptable to Ukraine itself.

He added that Oslo will continue supporting Ukraine while also recognising that sustainable peace can only emerge through dialogue and a negotiated settlement.

Kravik also commented on the evolving nature of global diplomacy under US President Donald Trump, describing the American leader’s approach as unconventional and strongly transactional.

According to him, the current diplomatic environment is marked by rapid developments and multiple negotiations taking place simultaneously.

While there may be differences of opinion between democratic allies, Norway continues to maintain close and regular engagement with the United States across a range of strategic issues.

These include efforts to address conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as broader discussions on global security and stability.

On China’s growing influence in the international system, Kravik said Norway has adopted a balanced strategy that combines cooperation with caution.

He explained that Oslo is willing to collaborate with China in areas where mutual interests exist, particularly in addressing global challenges such as climate change.

At the same time, Norway is also working to reduce strategic dependencies in critical sectors in order to safeguard its autonomy.

China’s massive investments in renewable energy and green technologies, he said, make it an essential participant in global climate efforts.

Responding to remarks made by President Trump regarding the Nobel Peace Prize, Kravik clarified that the Norwegian government plays no role in selecting the laureate.

The decision, he explained, is taken independently by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in accordance with the guidelines established by Alfred Nobel. Even members of the Norwegian government, including the prime minister and foreign minister, learn about the recipient only when the announcement is made publicly.

As geopolitical tensions rise and the international order continues to evolve, Kravik’s remarks reflected Norway’s view that cooperation among major powers—including India—will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges facing the world today.

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