Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the people of Norway following the death of King Harald V, who had reigned for over three decades. In a brief statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Modi highlighted the warm ties forged during his official visit to Norway in May 2023, when he met King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon. The visit, which featured discussions on renewable energy, maritime cooperation and cultural exchange, was described by Modi as a "memorable chapter" in Indo‑Norwegian relations. He praised the late monarch’s commitment to environmental stewardship and his role in strengthening bilateral trade, especially in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and information technology.
The Norwegian royal family announced that Crown Prince Haakon will succeed his father as the new monarch. The succession is expected to be smooth, given Norway’s well‑established constitutional framework. Norwegian officials have thanked India for its prompt expression of sympathy, noting that the gesture underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two democracies. Both governments have indicated that they will continue to collaborate on issues ranging from climate change mitigation to maritime security in the Indo‑Pacific region, building on the goodwill generated during the 2023 state visit.
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