Stener Outlines Norway’s Role in Indo-Pacific Maritime Cooperation
New Delhi, November 3 — Norway's Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said Norway can serve as a bridge for India to strengthen its engagement with Scandinavian and Nordic countries on maritime issues.
Stener made these remarks while speaking to ANI in Delhi on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026. She highlighted opportunities for cooperation in ocean research, technology, and maritime affairs between the two nations.
"This also positions Norway as a bridge for India to engage with Scandinavian and Nordic countries on maritime issues," Stener said.
The ambassador noted that Norway recently joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and is exploring expanded research cooperation with India for the benefit of the oceans. This strategic alignment underscores Oslo's growing interest in deepening ties within the broader Indo-Pacific framework, moving beyond traditional bilateral relations to foster multilateral engagement on environmental and security fronts.
Stener described Norway as the largest maritime nation among Scandinavian countries. She stated that Norway possesses an Exclusive Economic Zone slightly larger than India's and has strengths in shipbuilding, ocean-climate studies, and technology. These capabilities provide a tangible foundation for collaboration, allowing India to leverage Norwegian expertise in sustainable maritime practices and advanced naval technologies.
Historical Context of India-Nordic Maritime Discussions
The current diplomatic push builds upon previous high-level engagements between the two nations. Stener referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway in May for the India-Nordic Summit, where maritime issues were a key discussion point.
That summit marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, establishing a formal platform for dialogue on shared interests. The focus on maritime security and economic cooperation during that visit laid the groundwork for the current initiatives discussed at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026. By revisiting these themes, both nations aim to translate high-level political agreements into concrete operational partnerships.
Regional Partners Highlight Shared Maritime Responsibilities
Other participants at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 emphasized regional security dynamics. Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Mahishini Colonne highlighted shared maritime and security responsibilities in the Indian Ocean region during the event.
Colonne stated that Sri Lanka’s President assured Prime Minister Modi that its territory would never be used inimically to India's security, forming the foundation for scientific cooperation. This assurance serves as a critical pillar for trust, enabling deeper collaboration on non-traditional security threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, and natural disaster response.
Former Sri Lankan Navy Commander Jayantha Perera credited the Indian Navy with providing significant assistance and prompt responses during emergencies. He attributed the strong maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka to Prime Minister Modi’s Neighbourhood First Policy and personal relationships between the nations.
Perera emphasized the need for naval forces to adapt to rapidly evolving geopolitical and technological developments to address future maritime challenges. This perspective reflects a broader consensus among regional actors that traditional naval doctrines must evolve to meet modern complexities, including cyber threats and autonomous systems in maritime domains.