Visit to Nice: Joint India-Norway side event

Honourable Minister Singh,

Excellencies,

Distinguished organisers and participants,

Thank you for your kind introduction, Mr Helgesen – and thank you for your leadership.

The American writer Mark Twain wrote that India “is the one sole country under the sun … that all men desire to see, and having seen once, … would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.”

I can confirm this view. The Crown Princess and I have visited India several times – both officially and privately, also together with our children when they were quite young.

Our visits made lasting, even formative, impressions on us: The people, the nature, the culture, the food and the history.

Over the years, India and Norway have worked closely together on a wide range of issues related to trade and development.

Today, we are here for the ocean, for our oceans. As both India and Norway are countries surrounded by oceans, there is no better partner than you for us to kick off World Oceans Day with.

I am very pleased to be here – together with dedicated Ocean Advocates.

And this beautiful vessel, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, frames it all perfectly: Statsraad Lehmkuhl is raising awareness and sharing knowledge about the ocean’s role in building a sustainable future. During her One Ocean Expedition for 2025–2026, the ship will visit 27 ports across three continents and transit the Northwest Passage. And during her next voyage two years later, the ship will also be visiting India.

As coastal nations, India and Norway are well aware of the responsibility we all share to take better care of our ocean resources, protect ocean health, and raise awareness of the crucial role of the oceans in mitigating climate change. I appreciate your commitment, Minister, and very much look forward to learning more about our ongoing collaboration in the blue economy. There are almost endless opportunities to further expand our bilateral cooperation in this field.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you continued courage and success in your important mission – for the health of the oceans, and for future generations.

Thank you.