OSLO — In a solemn ceremony at the Royal Palace on Monday evening, King Harald V conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking only the latest highlight of a historic two-day state visit to Norway.
The Grand Cross is the highest grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, an honour established by King Olav V in 1985 and awarded in recognition of outstanding service in the interests of Norway and the international community. The insignia, featuring the Cross of St. Olav with crowns at each corner and the crowned monogram of King Olav V at its centre, was presented with the Order’s full ceremonial protocol.
Modi becomes the first Indian prime minister to receive the distinction, which is now the 32nd international honour bestowed upon him by a foreign nation.
Following the investiture, the Prime Minister issued a statement expressing profound gratitude.
“Honoured to receive the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit in Oslo,” Modi said. “This honour is dedicated to the people of India and is a tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Norway. It reflects our shared commitment to global progress.”
The award ceremony came just hours after Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a “Green Strategic Partnership,” alongside a Norwegian commitment to invest $100 billion in India across trade, clean energy, and technology sectors.
Earlier in the day, addressing a joint press conference, Modi had thanked Norway for its solidarity following last year’s Pahalgam terror attack — an attack that had forced the postponement of his originally scheduled visit. “Norway demonstrated the true spirit of friendship by standing firmly alongside India in the fight against terrorism,” he told reporters.
A 43-Year Gap Filled
Modi’s arrival in Oslo on Monday morning marked the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years, since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1983. The two-day itinerary includes bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Støre, a meeting with Queen Sonja, and participation in the third India-Nordic Summit on Tuesday, where leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden will join their Norwegian and Indian counterparts.
The honour comes just one day after Modi received Sweden’s highest recognition for a foreign head of government — the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Commander Grand Cross — during a separate stop in Stockholm.
Tomorrow, on Norway’s Constitution Day, Modi has announced he will extend his congratulations to the Norwegian people during the summit proceedings.
