Sambandh

What makes Norwegian salmon different?How did salmon become one of the world’s most popular seafood products? The answer is a fascinating story that stretches from the cold Norwegian fjords to sushi counters in Japan and now, increasingly, to dining tables in India.The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement or TEPA that completed one year of entering into force on 1 October, has opened a new chapter in economic relations between Norway and India.We are already seeing encouraging trends in bilateral trade. The value of Norwegian seafood exports to India grew by 24 per cent between October 2025 and August 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, with salmon leading the way at 143 per cent. More Indians are discovering Norwegian salmon in restaurants, hotels and supermarkets and interest continues to grow.The Norwegian Seafood Council recently visited India with a delegation meeting importers, hotels, restaurants, retailers and cold chain businesses.In this episode, the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Industry Manager Johan Kvalheim and Deputy Director for Global Operations Ørjan Kjervik, explore why Norway sees India as an exciting seafood market, and how Norwegian seafood can complement, rather than compete with, India's rich and diverse seafood traditions. Host: Norway's Ambassador to India May-Elin StenerGuest: Johan Kvalheim and Ørjan KjærvikProducer: Sebastian Hauan Stenberg Follow us for more updates on the podcast and Norway-India relations: Instagram: @norwayinindia Linkedin: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi X: @norwayinindia Facebook: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi Youtube: @norwayinindia4961 

How are we to understand the development trajectory of India, and how does it matter to the world?  Why does research matter in the relationship between Norway and India? And what can we do to deepen partnerships in science, innovation and higher education? Internationally renowned academic Professor Dan Banik left India in 1991 and has spent 35 years in Norway, teaching and researching development at the University of Oslo and travelling and working widely in Africa and Asia. Banik is one of the leading scholars on global development, poverty reduction, governance, and sustainable development. He serves as Director of the Oslo SDG Initiative and Academic Director of the Democracy Hub within Circle U. He is also the host of the globally popular podcast In Pursuit of Development. That vantage point shapes this conversation, which begins with a question from a recent episode of his own show: Why is hope essential in a world beset by complex global problems?  From there we turn to India, with the resilience of its democracy, the reforms of 1991, and its role as the world's pharmacy. We will also be looking at why Norwegian universities are increasingly interested in Indian ones, as every university in Norway now has a substantial partnership with an Indian institution. Host: Norway's Deputy Chief of Mission to India Arvinn Gadgil Guest: Dan Banik Producer: Hedda Anie Hylen  Follow us for more updates on the podcast and Norway-India relations: Instagram: @norwayinindia Linkedin: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi X: @norwayinindia Facebook: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi Youtube: @norwayinindia4961 

Why is Norway's renewable energy sector interested in India? What happens when one of the world's renewable energy pioneers joins forces with one of the world's fastest-growing economies? CEO of Renewables Norway (Fornybar Norway) Bård Vegar Solhjell recently visited India with a senior delegation, engaging with government, industry, research institutions and other stakeholders in Delhi, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.  This episode explores the similarities and differences in our two countries' energy transitions, and what Norway and India can learn from each other as they work towards a greener future.  Renewables Norway represents about 400 companies from the country's renewable energy sector. Solhjell is also formerly Norway's Minister of Climate and Environment and of Education.   Host: Norway's Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener Guest: Bård Vegar Solhjell Producer: Hedda Anie Hylen Follow us for more updates on the podcast and Norway-India relations:  Instagram: @norwayinindia Linkedin: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi X: @norwayinindia Facebook: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi Youtube: @norwayinindia4961

Are we seeing a shift in the way India looks at Europe? What are the complementarities between India and Norway? And what is a common misconception about Norway? In this episode Embassy Secretary Nora Dokken Harboe is in conversation with Suhasini Haider, Diplomatic Editor at The Hindu, one of India’s most respected voices on foreign policy and global affairs.  They look deeper into how India views Europe, particularly the Nordic region and Norway. Suhasini was recently in Norway covering the India-Nordic Summit, which provides a perfect backdrop for this conversation. Host: Embassy Secretary Nora Dokken Harboe Guest: Suhasini Haider Producer: Hedda Anie Hylen Follow us for more updates on the podcast and Norway-India relations:  Instagram: @norwayinindia Linkedin: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi X: @norwayinindia Facebook: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi Youtube: @norwayinindia4961

A unique opportunity to hear Ambassador of Norway to India May-Elin Stener and Dr Shashi Tharoor in conversation!  In this very first episode of the Royal Norwegian Embassy's podcast "Sambandh", the Ambassador of Norway to India, May-Elin Stener, is in conversation with acclaimed Indian author, parliamentarian and former diplomat Dr Shashi Tharoor. They talk about the many connections between our two countries, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway and the India-Nordic Summit, to mangoes, salmon and Henrik Ibsen. Get your headphones on! Host: Norway's Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener Guest: Dr. Shashi Tharoor Producer: Hedda Anie Hylen Follow us for more updates on the podcast and Norway-India relations:  Instagram: @norwayinindia Linkedin: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi X: @norwayinindia Facebook: Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi Youtube: @norwayinindia4961