During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway, the strategic partnership between India and Norway received renewed impetus in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. On May 18, 2026, in Oslo, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)—operating under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) of the Government of India—signed five significant agreements with Norway’s leading research, academic, and industrial organizations.
Focus on Clean Energy and Sustainable Development
On behalf of DSIR/CSIR, these agreements were signed under the leadership of Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR. Their objective is to expand India-Norway cooperation in the fields of research, innovation, and technology development; strengthen institutional partnerships; enhance startup and industry engagement; and promote sustainable development.
Agreement Between Research Councils
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between DSIR/CSIR and Norway’s Research Council of Norway (RCN) aims to foster cooperation in areas such as climate, clean energy, ocean science, and health. Under this framework, joint workshops, Research and Development (R&D) projects, exchange programs for scientists and researchers, and capacity-building initiatives will be undertaken.
Cooperation on Offshore Wind Energy and Carbon Management
CSIR also signed a cooperation agreement for the period 2026–2029 with SINTEF, Norway’s leading independent research organization. This partnership will focus on areas such as bio-based processes, marine energy, offshore wind energy, carbon capture, storage and utilization, and waste management.
Furthermore, an agreement was reached regarding a specific project related to marine energy and offshore wind energy, involving Indian institutions such as CSIR-SERC, CSIR-NAL, CSIR-NIO, and CSIR-4PI, as well as SINTEF Ocean and other Norwegian institutions. CSIR will provide financial support of approximately ₹341 lakhs for this project.
Promoting Green Transition and Academic Collaboration
A Joint Declaration of Intent was signed between CSIR, the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). This collaboration will focus on areas such as green transition, circular economy, ocean sciences, healthcare, and infrastructure engineering. Under this initiative, student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and academic programs will be organized.
Agreement on Geoscience-Based Infrastructure Solutions
The CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emerald Geomodelling. The objective is to develop geoscience-based solutions for major infrastructure projects in India. This collaboration will encompass joint research, geophysical surveys, data analysis, technical consultancy, and training programs.
A New Chapter in India-Norway Relations
These agreements are regarded as significant milestones in India-Norway cooperation within the fields of science, technology, and innovation. They are expected to lend fresh impetus to research-driven sustainable development, innovation, and long-term institutional partnerships between the two nations.
