Daijiworld Media Network - Monaco
Monaco, Jun 8: Norway’s Minister of International Development, Asmund Grover Aukrust, expressed his country’s solidarity with India in light of recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir during a meeting with India’s Minister for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, aboard the historic ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Monaco.
Aukrust conveyed strong public support in Norway for India and said many Norwegians are eager to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit their country. Dr. Singh acknowledged Norway’s goodwill, expressing appreciation for the continued support of Norway’s leadership and people for India’s cause on the global stage.
Upon his arrival at Monaco’s Quai Port Hercule, Dr. Singh was received by Director Trond Gabrielsen and Senior Adviser Eivind S. Homme from Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was later welcomed onboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl by Aukrust and the ship’s captain, marking a warm start to the bilateral engagement.
The meeting built upon the 2019 collaborative agreement on ocean management announced by the prime ministers of both nations, focusing on marine spatial planning as a key pillar of the Blue Economy. Both ministers discussed plans to deepen cooperation, particularly in sharing expertise with vulnerable island nations and enhancing Arctic research, polar science missions, and coastal resilience initiatives.
Speaking onboard the century-old sailing ship—an emblem of ocean education and sustainability under the “One Ocean Expedition”—Dr. Singh emphasized India’s commitment to using science and technology to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those concerning marine life. He also reaffirmed India’s willingness to collaborate with Norway and other nations on climate-resilient blue economies.
Aukrust praised India’s proactive role in regional and global marine conservation and expressed readiness to expand joint research and innovation efforts, including digital tools for marine planning and monitoring.
The bilateral meeting set the stage for a larger Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) side event, where both leaders are expected to join other global stakeholders in sharing national experiences and commitments to sustainable ocean management. As nations increasingly look to ocean-based solutions for growth, the India-Norway partnership stands as a model for how science diplomacy can bridge environmental stewardship and economic development.