- By Shubham Bajpai
- Mon, 18 May 2026 06:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday received the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway's highest civilian award under the prestigious order, marking his 32nd international honour.
The Grand Cross represents the top grade of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. He received his 31st international honour in Sweden on Sunday, where Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden conferred upon PM Narendra Modi the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross.
PM Modi has been conferred with the honour in recognition of his exceptional service and contributions towards strengthening bilateral relations and international cooperation between the two countries.
PM Modi arrived in Oslo earlier in the day on a two-day visit from Sweden. This is PM Modi's maiden visit and marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in 43 years.
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Green Strategic Partnership
Making a press statement alongside his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store, following his meeting in Oslo, PM Modi announced the transformation of the India-Norway relationship into a Green Strategic Partnership that will be "beneficial for the entire world".
PM Modi also stated that Norway has decided to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. "Today, we are transforming the India-Norway relationship into a Green Strategic Partnership. This strategic partnership will enable our companies to develop global solutions, combining India's scale, speed, and talent with Norway's technology and capital in every sector, from clean energy to climate resilience, the blue economy to green shipping," he added.
What is Royal Norwegian Order of Merit?
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was founded in 1985 by King Olav V. According to The Royal House of Norway website, the highest civilian honour can be conferred on both foreign and Norwegian nationals as a reward for their outstanding service in the interest of Norway and mankind.