Opinion Great expectations
Bilateral cooperation between India and Norway is substantive and growing
Bilateral cooperation between India and Norway is substantive and growing
At the end of five rewarding years in India,and on the occasion of the Norwegian National Day,it is a daunting task to take stock of the bilateral relationship between our two countries. In Norway,as in India,the national day is most important for children. I am therefore happy that through close cooperation with our Indian counterparts,a challenging child welfare case has been solved,keeping the best interest of children in mind. The dialogue with Indian authorities has been open and constructive. We agree that now is the time to further reinforce our bilateral relationship.
People to people and institution to institution contacts are at the core of the relationship between India and Norway. Without that,the relationship is void. Memoranda of understanding and letters of intent are nothing without the people making up the cooperation.
Our politicians and civil servants meet frequently and the discussions are wide-ranging. Regardless of the subject,challenging or celebratory,the dialogue is open and constructive. It is our responsibility as governments to maintain open channels,safeguard framework to do business and support the people who contribute every day to building the bilateral relationship. This requires dialogue and mutual understanding.
In a globalised world,citizens are on the move. We are proud that over 8000 visas were issued to Indians wanting to travel to Norway in 2011. In 2012,that number is over 3000. We want to be open,welcoming and multicultural hosts. We are also aware that a multicultural society forces us to adapt. It shows us that our way is not necessarily the only way. We welcome this insight.
The welfare state is the Norwegian backbone. Because of paid maternity leave mothers can maintain a career and contribute to supporting the family. Paternity leave enables fathers working in Norway to take time out to be the primary care giver of their child. However,for many of our citizens and guests,this system is foreign. The reality of making the transition from a relatively homogeneous to a multicultural society requires mutual understanding,respect for traditions and dialogue,while at the same time protecting the fundamental rights of all individuals,regardless of age and nationality,living in Norway.
We are proud that over 12,000 Indians travelled to Norway to visit and work in the last couple of years. And we are aware that the arrival of new cultures requires new ways to communicate our way of life. We are learning. We welcome new impulses and ways of seeing the world. As Norwegians in India,this is the reception we get from our Indian hosts. Multiculturalism and tolerance is at the heart of the Indian nation. This is an example to follow.
The core of any bilateral relationship is interaction between people and institutions. Synergies and innovation occur when bright individuals and innovative organisations meet. We need to ensure good working conditions for our people.On the Norwegian National Day,the day we gained our sovereignty,Constitution and the right to have an independent foreign policy,it is appropriate to thank the people putting substance into the bilateral relationship.
Communication through culture,music and children are some of the most important ways of increasing tolerance and understanding. In 2011,Concerts Norway and partner organisation Spic Macay organised 79 school concerts in India and 118 concerts in Norway. Thousands of students in Norway experienced culture and music ranging from ragas to traditional tunes from Gujarat. In India,38,000 students attended workshops and enjoyed concerts with Norwegian performers. With the help of culture our children learn that India and Norway are not that far apart. These children are our future interlocutors.
Every year Indian researchers and students brave the arctic climate to help reveal how climate change will affect our future. At 78 degrees north,in the Arctic town of Ny-Ålesund,scientists from the Indian research station Himadri work with colleagues from Norway,China,South Korea and Italy. Inaugurated by Union minister Kapil Sibal in 2008,scientific and political visits to the High North are frequent. Our research stations in the Arctic and the Antarctic are neighbours. This makes for a unique climate for cooperation in research on climate issues crucial to our common future. Norway and India have substantial cooperation within climate and environment. Our joint working group will meet in the Arctic this year,on Svalbard.
Last week,the fourth annual consultation between the Indian and the Norwegian ministries of finance took place. A range of issues,from common concern for the state of the European economy to inclusive growth and the financing of a green economy,were discussed. How to secure future and current investments in both countries was an important agenda item. We have a common understanding that economics,business and investments are paramount to a thriving relationship. Even if we do not always agree,we are appreciative of the reliable and regular arenas to discuss mutually beneficial solutions.
It is difficult to mention only some of the people and organisations advancing the bilateral relationship every day. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Indian people.
The bilateral cooperation is already substantial and the common goal of both Indian and Norwegian authorities is for it to keep blossoming. To all Indians in Norway and to all Norwegians in India,the best is yet to come. Our expectations are great!
The writer is ambassador of Norway
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