Current Affairs - International - Discussion

Norway Prime Minister Erna Solberg arrived in New Delhi for a three-day state visit to India at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This made her the first foreign leader and head of the government to visit New Delhi in 2019. On 8th January 2019, India and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Joint Task Force on Blue Economy, in order to promote multi-sectoral cooperation in various aspects of Blue Economy. The two sides recognised the importance of sustainable use of the oceans, including for food security, energy sources, mineral exploration and climate friendly maritime transport. The decision assumes significance in view of the fact that at least 15 per cent of Indian population resides in the coastal areas while 70 per cent of the Norwegian economy is dependent on the maritime industry of the country. The blue economy is an emerging concept which encourages better management of ocean or 'blue' resources.