India and Norway are to strengthen their Blue Economy Partnership

Both nations also commenced a new collaboration on Integrated Ocean Management & Research

• India and Norway jointly inaugurated a Task Force of Blue Economy for Sustainable Development
• Both nations also launched a new collaboration of Integrated Ocean Management and Research at the meet
• The task force aims at mobilizing stakeholders of India and Norway at the highest level to ensure progress across ministries and agencies

Highlights of the Joint initiatives

• Ministry for Earth Sciences and Norway’s Ministry for Climate and Environment opened the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development
• The two countries also commenced a new collaboration on Integrated Ocean Management & Research
• Several projects on combating marine litter are already being implemented
• Both Governments signed a letter of intent confirming that they will develop a new framework for collaboration on Integrated Ocean Management & Research
• Both countries aim to manage the resources in the oceans in a sustainable manner

Key findings of the Blue Economy Partnership

• Managing the resources in the oceans in a sustainable manner is a matter of mutual interest and concern for both countries
• The fact that Norway and India are commencing a new initiative is a signal that the cooperation between the two countries is growing even stronger
• It makes the Indo-Norwegian Ocean Cooperation a key pillar in the bilateral relationship
• Norway and India cooperation in the field of oceans is based on shared interest in the blue economy
• The cooperation focuses on sustainable use of marine resources as well as a desire to advance scientific knowledge about our oceans
• Norway and India are engaging on ways to ensure integrated ocean management at the government level
• At the same time, Norwegian companies and private institutions are increasingly seeking opportunities with Indian counterparts
• This is making India an even more significant partner for Norway

Background for Blue Economy Partnership

• The India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development was launched jointly by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, during her visit to India in January 2019
• Around 15 MoUs were signed at the summit. It includes sustainable sea food production, smart grids, energy markets, green shipping, digital solutions,
• The purpose of the task force is to develop and follow up joint initiatives between the two countries
• The strength and value added of the India-Norway Joint Task Force on Blue Economy is its ability to mobilize relevant stakeholders from both Norway and India at the highest level
• It ensure continued commitment and progress across ministries and agencies, stated the Ministry of Earth Sciences in a Press communication

Pic courtesy : Freshersliv