Oslo, May 19. The strategic partnership between the two countries in the areas of science, technology, innovation and sustainable development got a new boost during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, signed five important agreements with leading research, academic and industrial organizations of Norway in Oslo.

Focus on clean energy and sustainable development

On behalf of DSIR/CSIR, these agreements were signed by Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR, Dr. N. Under the leadership of Kalaiselvi. Their objective is to expand India-Norway cooperation in the areas of research, innovation and technology development, strengthen institutional partnerships, enhance startup and industry engagement and encourage sustainable development.

Agreement between research councils

The MoU between DSIR/CSIR and Research Council of Norway (RCN) aims to promote cooperation in areas such as climate, clean energy, ocean science and health. Under this, joint workshops, research and development projects, exchange of scientists and researchers and capacity building programs will be conducted.

Cooperation on offshore wind energy and carbon management

CSIR also signed a collaboration agreement with Norway’s premier independent research organization SINTEF for 2026-2029. This partnership will focus on areas such as bio-based processes, marine energy, offshore wind energy, carbon capture, storage and utilization and waste management.

Apart from this, an agreement has also been signed on a special project to marine energy and offshore wind energy, involving Indian institutions like CSIR-SERC, CSIR-NAL, CSIR-NIO and CSIR-4PI and SINTEF Ocean and other Norwegian institutions. CSIR will provide financial support of approximately Rs 341 lakh for this project.

Promote green transition and academic collaboration

A Joint Declaration of Intent was also signed between CSIR, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ACSIR) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). This cooperation will focus on areas such as green transition, circular economy, ocean science, healthcare and infrastructure engineering. Under this, exchange of students and teachers, joint research and academic programs will be organized.

Agreement also on geology based infrastructure solutions

CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) has signed a five-year MoU with Emerald Geomodeling. It aims to develop geology based solutions for large infrastructure projects in India. This cooperation will include joint research, geophysical surveys, data analysis, technical consultancy and training programmes.

New chapter in India-Norway relations

These agreements are being considered as important milestones of India-Norway cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation. This is expected to give new strength to the research-based sustainable development, innovation and long-term institutional partnership between the two countries.