New Delhi: Norway's deputy foreign minister, Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, expressed skepticism over a US sanctions waiver that allows India to continue buying oil from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to Kravik, the conflict should be resolved through diplomatic means as it has severe effects on regional security and trade flows.
He emphasized that most global problems cannot be discussed or resolved without India's participation, which has become more important as a trade and investment destination following the free trade agreement signed by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Norway views the US-Iran war as unfortunate and has expressed sympathies with the Iranian people, who have suffered under a brutal repressive authoritarian regime.
Kravik also discussed the killing of a head of state without war being declared, stating that it further weakens the global rules-based order.
Norway is skeptical of the US providing a sanctions waiver to allow India to buy Russian oil, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine.
The deputy foreign minister emphasized that Norway's position on Russia and its war of aggression against Ukraine is clear and unequivocal, condemning the violation of the UN Charter and the undermining of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Norway will continue to support Ukraine to the fullest extent possible and has tried to sanction Russia to undermine the Russian economy.
The upcoming India-Nordic Summit will be an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest, including commercial opportunities, technology, and the climate crisis.
Norway is looking to partner with Indian stakeholders to transform its economy and become more effective in the green technology sector.
The India-EFTA trade deal provides opportunities for Norwegian companies, and Norway is looking to get a quick start on specific areas such as technology and industries related to the climate crisis and green technology.
