Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Oslo on Monday for the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years, marking a significant elevation in relations between the world’s largest democracy and one of Europe’s wealthiest nations.&nbsp;The visit, which includes the third India-Nordic Summit, builds on previous gatherings in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022. The summit institutionalised a strategic partnership that pairs Indian scale with Nordic innovation and expertise. Only the United States currently enjoys a comparable level of structured Nordic engagement with India.&nbsp;Economic ties are at the heart of the deepening relationship between India &amp; Norway. The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which entered into force on 1 October 2025, represents India’s first free trade deal with a group of developed European economies- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It includes ambitious commitments of $100 billion in investments and the creation of one million direct jobs over 15 years.&nbsp;Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, with assets nearing $2 trillion, has already invested close to $30 billion in Indian capital markets. Norfund, Norway’s development finance institution, continues to back renewable energy projects in India.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-russia-kills-4-zelensky-calls-it-entirely-justified-1779016456498">One Indian killed, three injured in massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russia that left at least four dead</a>&nbsp;Defence and maritime cooperation have also accelerated. Indian shipyards now account for 11% of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s order book. Cochin Shipyard is constructing eco-friendly vessels for Norwegian clients, while a June 2025 memorandum of understanding between India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders &amp; Engineers (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime will deliver India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel. The two countries held their inaugural Maritime Security Dialogue in September 2025.&nbsp;In science, space and energy, collaboration is growing. ISRO antennas at Norway’s Svalbard archipelago became operational in 2026, enhancing India’s polar satellite data capabilities. India’s Himadri research station in the Arctic has hosted more than 400 scientists since 2008. Norwegian tunnelling expertise is being deployed in India’s ambitious Char Dham railway project in the Himalayas, while clean energy partnerships aim to support India’s energy diversification goals.&nbsp;The visit reflects a broader geopolitical recalibration. As India asserts itself as a major global power, Nordic countries, traditionally focused on the North Atlantic and Arctic, are seeking stronger partnerships with New Delhi on issues ranging from maritime security to climate and technology. The summit is expected to yield further announcements on green transitions, critical minerals and people-to-people ties.

The visit signals growing strategic ties as Nordic countries deepen engagement with India on maritime security, climate and technology amid New Delhi’s rising global influence.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Oslo on Monday for the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years, marking a significant elevation in relations between the world’s largest democracy and one of Europe’s wealthiest nations. The visit, which includes the third India-Nordic Summit, builds on previous gatherings in Stockholm in 2018 and Copenhagen in 2022. The summit institutionalised a strategic partnership that pairs Indian scale with Nordic innovation and expertise. Only the United States currently enjoys a comparable level of structured Nordic engagement with India. Economic ties are at the heart of the deepening relationship between India & Norway. The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which entered into force on 1 October 2025, represents India’s first free trade deal with a group of developed European economies- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. It includes ambitious commitments of $100 billion in investments and the creation of one million direct jobs over 15 years. Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, with assets nearing $2 trillion, has already invested close to $30 billion in Indian capital markets. Norfund, Norway’s development finance institution, continues to back renewable energy projects in India. Also Read: One Indian killed, three injured in massive Ukrainian drone attack on Russia that left at least four dead Defence and maritime cooperation have also accelerated. Indian shipyards now account for 11% of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s order book. Cochin Shipyard is constructing eco-friendly vessels for Norwegian clients, while a June 2025 memorandum of understanding between India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime will deliver India’s first indigenous Polar Research Vessel. The two countries held their inaugural Maritime Security Dialogue in September 2025. In science, space and energy, collaboration is growing. ISRO antennas at Norway’s Svalbard archipelago became operational in 2026, enhancing India’s polar satellite data capabilities. India’s Himadri research station in the Arctic has hosted more than 400 scientists since 2008. Norwegian tunnelling expertise is being deployed in India’s ambitious Char Dham railway project in the Himalayas, while clean energy partnerships aim to support India’s energy diversification goals. The visit reflects a broader geopolitical recalibration. As India asserts itself as a major global power, Nordic countries, traditionally focused on the North Atlantic and Arctic, are seeking stronger partnerships with New Delhi on issues ranging from maritime security to climate and technology. The summit is expected to yield further announcements on green transitions, critical minerals and people-to-people ties.

The visit signals growing strategic ties as Nordic countries deepen engagement with India on maritime security, climate and technology amid New Delhi’s rising global influence.

PM Modi to visit Norway tomorrow as India deepens Nordic ties

In a teary-eyed interview aired on national television, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Friday (Mar 20) spoke publicly for the first time regarding her association with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was ‘manipulated and deceived’. Breaking seven weeks of silence since the release of Epstein files in the US, she sat down with her husband, Crown Prince Haako, to discuss her past association with the financier and convicted sex offender. Among the trove of documents released by the US Justice Department were hundreds of emails between Mette-Marit and Epstein between 2011 and 2014. It also emerged that she had stayed at his Palm Beach, Florida residence.<h2>Mette-Marit takes responsibility, expresses regret for Epstein links</h2>Seeking to set the record straight before the nation, Mette-Marit expressed deep regret and acknowledged personal responsibility over the Epstein links."I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realise it from the start," she said, adding, "It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully… and to take responsibility for being so manipulated and deceived as I was."“Of course, I wish I had never met him.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-image-surfaces-of-andrew-mandelson-and-epstein-together-in-newly-released-doj-files-1773484466617">First image surfaces of Andrew, Mandelson and Epstein together in newly released DOJ files</a><h2>Norway Crown Princess reacts to public scrutiny over Epstein ties</h2>The interview followed intense criticism in Norway against the princess from both the public and politicians, including Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. She had previously apologised and admitted to “poor judgment”.Even the interview on national TV was seen by some as an attempt to defend herself.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-ignite-rahul-puri-political-firestorm-1770833155735/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-ignite-rahul-puri-political-firestorm-1770833155735/embed</a><h2>Did the princess know about Epstein’s past?</h2>It is clear from the emails that the princess had researched Epstein. He had already been convicted in Florida for soliciting sex from a minor by the time they met. In a 2011 email, Mette-Marit wrote: "Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good."However, during the interview, she denied awareness about Epstein’s crimes. "I didn't know he was a sex offender or a predator," she said, adding, "I can't remember this; it was 15 years ago, to be honest."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dan-goldman-unveils-previously-redacted-epstein-document-contradicting-donald-trump-s-mar-a-lago-claim-1773896950722">Dan Goldman unveils previously redacted Epstein document contradicting Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago claim</a><h2>Nature of Mette-Marit’s relationship with Epstein</h2>Asked about their relationship, Mette-Marit described Epstein as a private acquaintance. He was a "private contact," said the princess, adding she did not tell everyone about her private contacts.Explaining her stay at his Palm Beach home, she said, "Epstein was a close friend of a good friend of mine."She admitted she was overly trusting: “I am overly trusting, I tend to think the best of people.”<h2>Princess had an uneasy incident yet continued contact with Epstein</h2>In the interview, she spoke of an uncomfortable experience during her stay at Eptein's home. While describing it as a situation that made her feel uneasy on the final day, she did not disclose details of the incident. She said she telephoned her husband at the time because it made her feel insecure. Despite this, she maintained contact for some time before eventually ending it: “But I also chose to end all direct contact with him. And it was because of such episodes as that.”<h2>‘Focus should remain on Epstein victims’, says princess as timing of interview questioned</h2>Mette-Marit said the focus should remain on Epstein’s victims and the lack of justice, while expressing anger that they had not yet received justice.Meanwhile, the timing of the interview is being questioned: it was recorded after the conclusion of her son Marius Borg Høiby’s rape trial hearings. This suggested that she delayed speaking publicly until those proceedings had concluded.<h2>Princess discusses health concerns and future role, as crown prince expresses support</h2>The crown princess also addressed concerns about her ability to continue royal duties due to illness. She suffers from the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. "I live with a serious illness… That is the very thing that decides, quite plainly, whether I can, in any way whatsoever, continue to perform in the role I hold, or not.""I would very much like to stand by him in that truly important and challenging project, if I have the opportunity to do so, given my health."Sitting with her for the interview, Crown Prince Haakon expressed solidarity with the princess. "This is, after all, our project, which we're doing together," he said, reflecting on their more than 25 years of marriage.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit said on national TV she was “manipulated and deceived”, while addressing her links to Jeffrey Epstein for the first time in public. She admitted poor judgment, but denied knowing of the crimes of the convicted paedophile



In a teary-eyed interview aired on national television, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Friday (Mar 20) spoke publicly for the first time regarding her association with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was ‘manipulated and deceived’. Breaking seven weeks of silence since the release of Epstein files in the US, she sat down with her husband, Crown Prince Haako, to discuss her past association with the financier and convicted sex offender. Among the trove of documents released by the US Justice Department were hundreds of emails between Mette-Marit and Epstein between 2011 and 2014. It also emerged that she had stayed at his Palm Beach, Florida residence. Mette-Marit takes responsibility, expresses regret for Epstein links Seeking to set the record straight before the nation, Mette-Marit expressed deep regret and acknowledged personal responsibility over the Epstein links. "I feel so manipulated, and when you are manipulated, you don't realise it from the start," she said, adding, "It is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more carefully… and to take responsibility for being so manipulated and deceived as I was." “Of course, I wish I had never met him.” Also read: First image surfaces of Andrew, Mandelson and Epstein together in newly released DOJ files Norway Crown Princess reacts to public scrutiny over Epstein ties The interview followed intense criticism in Norway against the princess from both the public and politicians, including Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. She had previously apologised and admitted to “poor judgment”. Even the interview on national TV was seen by some as an attempt to defend herself. https://www.wionews.com/videos/epstein-files-ignite-rahul-puri-political-firestorm-1770833155735/embed Did the princess know about Epstein’s past? It is clear from the emails that the princess had researched Epstein. He had already been convicted in Florida for soliciting sex from a minor by the time they met. In a 2011 email, Mette-Marit wrote: "Googled u after last email. Agree didn't look too good." However, during the interview, she denied awareness about Epstein’s crimes. "I didn't know he was a sex offender or a predator," she said, adding, "I can't remember this; it was 15 years ago, to be honest." Also read: Dan Goldman unveils previously redacted Epstein document contradicting Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago claim Nature of Mette-Marit’s relationship with Epstein Asked about their relationship, Mette-Marit described Epstein as a private acquaintance. He was a "private contact," said the princess, adding she did not tell everyone about her private contacts. Explaining her stay at his Palm Beach home, she said, "Epstein was a close friend of a good friend of mine." She admitted she was overly trusting: “I am overly trusting, I tend to think the best of people.” Princess had an uneasy incident yet continued contact with Epstein In the interview, she spoke of an uncomfortable experience during her stay at Eptein's home. While describing it as a situation that made her feel uneasy on the final day, she did not disclose details of the incident. She said she telephoned her husband at the time because it made her feel insecure. Despite this, she maintained contact for some time before eventually ending it: “But I also chose to end all direct contact with him. And it was because of such episodes as that.” ‘Focus should remain on Epstein victims’, says princess as timing of interview questioned Mette-Marit said the focus should remain on Epstein’s victims and the lack of justice, while expressing anger that they had not yet received justice. Meanwhile, the timing of the interview is being questioned: it was recorded after the conclusion of her son Marius Borg Høiby’s rape trial hearings. This suggested that she delayed speaking publicly until those proceedings had concluded. Princess discusses health concerns and future role, as crown prince expresses support The crown princess also addressed concerns about her ability to continue royal duties due to illness. She suffers from the chronic lung disease pulmonary fibrosis. "I live with a serious illness… That is the very thing that decides, quite plainly, whether I can, in any way whatsoever, continue to perform in the role I hold, or not." "I would very much like to stand by him in that truly important and challenging project, if I have the opportunity to do so, given my health." Sitting with her for the interview, Crown Prince Haakon expressed solidarity with the princess. "This is, after all, our project, which we're doing together," he said, reflecting on their more than 25 years of marriage.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit said on national TV she was “manipulated and deceived”, while addressing her links to Jeffrey Epstein for the first time in public. She admitted poor judgment, but denied knowing of the crimes of the convicted paedophile&nbsp;

Manipulated, deceived: Norway Crown Princess Mette-Marit talks of Epstein links, teary-eyed interview timed after son's rape trial raises questions

Marius Borg Hoiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to appear in an Oslo court on Tuesday (February 3) in a criminal case that has placed scrutiny on the royal family. The 29-year-old was formally charged in August following a lengthy police investigation. Prosecutors have brought forward 38 charges, including multiple counts of rape, domestic abuse involving a former partner, violent assaults against another woman, and the alleged transport of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Additional accusations include issuing death threats and committing traffic violations. If found guilty, Høiby could receive a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The trial is expected to continue until mid-March. Despite the seriousness of the charges, he has remained at liberty while awaiting trial.<h2>Who is Marius Borg Hoiby?</h2>Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He does not hold a royal title and has never carried out official duties. His legal troubles escalated after several arrests in 2024 related to various allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-linked-firm-bought-49-stake-in-trump-family-crypto-company-days-before-inauguration-report-1770026104694">UAE-linked firm bought 49% stake in Trump family crypto company days before inauguration: Report</a><h2>What are the cases against Marius Borg Hoiby?</h2>According to the indictment, the case involves four alleged rapes said to have occurred between 2018 and November 2024. Prosecutors also accuse Høiby of abusing and threatening a former partner over more than a year, as well as assaulting a subsequent partner and breaching a restraining order. His defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has said that Hoiby denies all sexual assault accusations and most of the violence-related charges. Sekulic said his client plans to give a comprehensive explanation of his version of events during the trial.&nbsp;In an uncommon public comment, Crown Prince Haakon confirmed that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit will attend the court proceedings. He also said the royal household will refrain from commenting while the case is ongoing. Haakon stressed that Hoiby is not a member of the royal house and should be treated like any other Norwegian citizen under the law. He expressed confidence that the judicial process would be conducted fairly and respectfully.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/costa-rica-election-results-fernandez-secures-historic-win-1770021375187/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/costa-rica-election-results-fernandez-secures-historic-win-1770021375187/embed</a>

Son of Norway’s Crown Princess, Marius Borg Hoiby, to stand trial on rape, drugs and abuse charges

Marius Borg Hoiby, the eldest son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is set to appear in an Oslo court on Tuesday (February 3) in a criminal case that has placed scrutiny on the royal family. The 29-year-old was formally charged in August following a lengthy police investigation. Prosecutors have brought forward 38 charges, including multiple counts of rape, domestic abuse involving a former partner, violent assaults against another woman, and the alleged transport of 3.5 kilograms of marijuana. Additional accusations include issuing death threats and committing traffic violations. If found guilty, Høiby could receive a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The trial is expected to continue until mid-March. Despite the seriousness of the charges, he has remained at liberty while awaiting trial. Who is Marius Borg Hoiby? Hoiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship before her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He does not hold a royal title and has never carried out official duties. His legal troubles escalated after several arrests in 2024 related to various allegations. Also Read: UAE-linked firm bought 49% stake in Trump family crypto company days before inauguration: Report What are the cases against Marius Borg Hoiby? According to the indictment, the case involves four alleged rapes said to have occurred between 2018 and November 2024. Prosecutors also accuse Høiby of abusing and threatening a former partner over more than a year, as well as assaulting a subsequent partner and breaching a restraining order. His defense lawyer, Petar Sekulic, has said that Hoiby denies all sexual assault accusations and most of the violence-related charges. Sekulic said his client plans to give a comprehensive explanation of his version of events during the trial. In an uncommon public comment, Crown Prince Haakon confirmed that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit will attend the court proceedings. He also said the royal household will refrain from commenting while the case is ongoing. Haakon stressed that Hoiby is not a member of the royal house and should be treated like any other Norwegian citizen under the law. He expressed confidence that the judicial process would be conducted fairly and respectfully. https://www.wionews.com/videos/costa-rica-election-results-fernandez-secures-historic-win-1770021375187/embed

Norway’s Crown Princess’s son faces trial on rape, abuse, and drug charges. The trial is set to begin on Tuesday (February 3)

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PM Modi to visit Norway tomorrow as India deepens Nordic ties

Manipulated, deceived: Norway crown princess opens up on Epstein links

Son of Norway’s Crown Princess to stand trial on rape, drugs and abuse charges