Context:
• India and Norway are strengthening their partnership in green shipping, maritime training, and sustainable ocean governance, following the entry into force of the India–EFTA TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement) on October 1, 2025.
• The collaboration aligns with both nations’ visions for clean maritime transition and sustainable blue economy management.
Key Highlights
- TEPA Boosts Maritime Partnership
- India–EFTA TEPA operationalised on 1 October 2025, opening avenues for deeper cooperation.
• India Pavilion debuted at the prestigious Nor-Shipping Expo in Oslo—spotlighting green shipping, digital maritime solutions, and shipbuilding.
- 10th Joint Working Group on Maritime Cooperation
- Focus areas included:
– Green shipping
– Maritime training & capacity building
– Ship recycling
– Maritime security
- Growing Industrial Linkages
- 10% of ships ordered by the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association are built in India.
• Norway’s goal: 50% emission reduction from domestic shipping & fisheries by 2030 (baseline: 2005).
- Alignment of National Visions
- Maritime India Vision 2030 complements Norway’s sustainable ocean ambitions.
• Both countries emphasise blue economy cooperation and clean energy transition.
Significance
- India’s Role in Global Maritime Ecosystems
- India is emerging as a hub for:
– Trade logistics
– Shipbuilding
– Ship recycling
– Digital maritime technologies
• India’s capacity is vital as the global shipbuilding market reaches full capacity, offering opportunities for partnership-driven fleet expansion.
- Expanding India–Norway Ocean Cooperation
- A formal Ocean Dialogue (2019) and a Task Force on Blue Economy guide cooperation.
• Norway supports India’s participation in the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework.
- Norway’s Climate Leadership in Shipping
- Pioneering green maritime technologies:
– Ammonia & hydrogen as alternative fuels
– Autonomous vessels
– Fully electric ships, e.g., Yara Birkeland
• Advocates stronger global shipping emission standards.
- Maritime Workforce Development
- TEPA will help facilitate on-board training opportunities for Indian seafarers.
• Norway has supported the Maritime SheEO Conference (since 2019), promoting women’s leadership in the maritime sector.
Prelims-Oriented Points (Most Important)
- India–EFTA
•Key themes: Green shipping, digital maritime solutions, ship recycling.
Mains-Oriented Analysis
GS-2: International Relations | GS-3: Economy & Environment
- Strategic Maritime Partnership
• Ensures collaboration in clean maritime technologies, fuel innovation, and sustainable shipping.
• Strengthens India’s role in global maritime governance and ocean diplomacy. - Economic Upside
• Boosts India’s shipbuilding & ship recycling industries.
• Enhances technology transfer and investment flows from Norway.
• Supports India’s ambition to become a global maritime hub. - Environmental and Blue Economy Cooperation
• Partnership central to green transition—alternative fuels, low-carbon vessels, ocean conservation.
• Contributes to India’s climate goals under Panchamrit and global cooperation under IMO. - Human Capital Development
• TEPA opens structured pathways for Indian seafarers, enhancing employment.
• Support for women’s participation boosts diversity and global competitiveness. - Geopolitical & Multilateral Significance
• India–Nordic maritime cooperation strengthens India’s position in the Arctic Council, IMO, and global climate diplomacy.
• Aligns with India’s SAGAR doctrine and Indo-Pacific maritime vision.