The External Affairs Minister sought Norway's continued support for India's aspirations to become member of MTCR and NSG and for permanent membership of UN Security Council
Norway on Tuesday supported India's bid for securing membership of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Nuclear Suppliers Group besides the UN Security Council even as the two countries held wide-ranging talks to boost ties in diverse sectors including in defence, security, energy and trade.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Norwegian counterpart Borge Brende, co-chairing the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) here, decided to hold a bilateral dialogue on trade and and investments to explore untapped opportunities.
The meeting, fifth in series, reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and explored ways to step up engagement in range of areas. Norway evinced interest in participating in Make in India initiative, smart cities and clean Ganga projects and development of ports.
The External Affairs Minister sought Norway's continued support for India's aspirations to become member of MTCR and NSG and for permanent membership of UN Security Council and Brende reiterated India could count on Norway's support for its bid.
Swaraj also mentioned about role of outgoing MTCR chair, Ronald Waess of Norway. India has been eyeing to get entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Australia Group.
Brende also held talks with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. In the JCM, progress of work under the eight Joint Working Groups under JCM on marine resources, maritime affairs, hydrocarbons, environment, science and technology, education, culture and local governance were discussed, said the External Affairs Ministry.
The meeting also discussed cooperation in areas of defence, health, renewable energy, hydro power, polar research and biotechnology. A plan of action to further strengthen ongoing cooperation and add new contents in the months ahead was decided upon.
During discussions, both sides agreed that there is dynamism and energy in Norway-India trade and investment relations though a lot yet remains to be achieved. Swaraj pointed out that India has a vision of development over the next decade wherein India would like Norway to engage in the creation of the next generation infrastructure, including ports, roads, railways, establishment of smart cities, revival of heritage cities, rejuvenation of river Ganga and other rivers. She also sought Norway's support in development of hydro-power and clean technologies.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Sushma Swaraj")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}