India and Norway strengthen partnership on blue economy

Union Minister for Earth Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Norway’s Minister for Climate and Environment Mr. Sveinung Rotevatn opened the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development on 18 February. The aim is to make the Indo-Norwegian Ocean Cooperation a key pillar in the bilateral relationship. The meeting is the third meeting of the Task Force. Other initiatives: India and Norway also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to confirm that they will develop a new framework for collaboration on Integrated Ocean Management and Research.  Several projects on combating Marine Litter is being carried out as a part of the Joint Initiatives. Both countries aim to manage the resources in the oceans in a sustainable manner. The agreement will ensure integrated ocean management at the government level. India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy: The India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development was launched jointly by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Norwegian Prime Minister Ms. Erna Solberg. It was launched during her visit to India in January 2019. The task force aims to develop and follow up joint initiatives between the two countries. It mobilizes relevant stakeholders from both Norway and India at the highest level. It will also ensure continued commitment and progress across ministries and agencies.