In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Ambassador May-Elin Stener, Norway’s envoy to India, provides insights into the evolving Indian-Norwegian relationship.
The ties between India and Norway go beyond diplomacy, finding expression in cultural collaborations, sustainability initiatives, and shared global goals. In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Ambassador May-Elin Stener, Norway’s envoy to India, provides insights into the evolving Indo-Norwegian relationship, emphasizing the role of soft diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation.
Cultural diplomacy remains central to Norway’s engagement with India. Norway has long supported the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and Jaipur Bookmark, playing a crucial role in literary discourse. “We have always supported JLF, and it remains an important part of our cultural relationship,” Ambassador Stener affirms.
At JLF 2025, Norway championed small languages and literary translation. Stener elaborates, “We have supported a project focused on translating small Himalayan languages into English, promoting linguistic diversity and the rights of indigenous speakers. Freedom of speech and expression remain central to our engagement.”
The festival over the years has featured several Norwegian literary heavyweights, including Nobel laureate Jon Fosse, whose works have been translated into several Indian languages. “It was a proud moment when Jon Fosse received the Nobel Prize for Literature, back in 2023. The fact that his works were already available in Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam shows the depth of our literary connection,” she shares.
While literature has been a primary cultural bridge, Norwegian music and dance have also left a mark on India. One of the recent highlights was the visit of the acclaimed Gába band, which modernizes traditional Sami ‘joik’ singing. “They performed at the embassy and also at the Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival. It was an unforgettable experience,” Stener recalls.
Beyond traditional music, Norway is exploring ways to bring contemporary dance and musical acts into India. “We are looking at how Norwegian artists can enter the Indian market and collaborate with local performers,” she says.
On the film front, Norway has seen growing Indian interest, and vice versa. “There was a recent Norwegian film titled ‘Christmas as Usual’ about an Indian couple celebrating Christmas in Norway—based on a true story. It starred Kanan Gill and showcased cross-cultural narratives beautifully,” Stener notes.
The ambassador also highlights the annual Bollywood Festival in Norway, a testament to India’s deep cultural footprint in the Nordic country. “With over 100 Indian restaurants in Oslo alone, Indian culture is widely celebrated in Norway. Events like the Mela Festival further strengthen our cultural bond,” she adds.
Apart from cultural exchanges, India and Norway are collaborating on sustainability, marine economy, and climate resilience. “Norway is committed to assisting India’s transition towards sustainability. Our partnership on the Blue Economy and marine litter prevention is crucial,” Stener emphasizes.
One of the key areas of collaboration is green shipping. “India has made remarkable progress in clean energy, and Norway’s expertise in offshore wind and green hydrogen can support this vision. Our goal is a cleaner, greener future,” she asserts.
Both nations are also working together on international plastic waste management. “There is an ongoing global treaty negotiation on banning plastic production, and India and Norway are playing active roles in shaping its future,” she reveals.
Educational and research collaborations are another pillar of Indo-Norwegian ties. Norwegian universities have seen a steady rise in Indian students, particularly in environmental sciences, maritime studies, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. “Indian students bring immense talent and perspective, enriching Norwegian academia,” Stener says.
The Indian diaspora in Norway is also growing, with significant contributions in IT, medicine, and pharmaceuticals. “While most Indian migrants work in tech and STEM fields, we see increasing participation in cultural sectors. This movement strengthens our ties at both societal and economic levels,” she observes.
Soft diplomacy—driven by culture, education, and sustainability—is at the heart of Norway’s engagement with India. Stener encapsulates this sentiment, “Diplomacy is not just about governmental negotiations. It is about people, shared aspirations, and cultural exchange. Whether through literature, music, or climate action, Norway sees India as a vital partner in shaping a better world.”
As Indo-Norwegian relations continue to deepen, the emphasis on soft diplomacy ensures that the bond is not just between governments but also between people. Through literature festivals, music collaborations, and joint sustainability efforts, both nations are weaving a story of mutual respect and progress—one that will define their relationship