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Hope to finalise free trade agreement with India soon, says Norwegian Minister.
Feb 23, 2024

Deputy Foreign Minister of Norway, Andreas Kravik, shared insights on various global and bilateral matters, emphasising the imminent conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

He also spoke about Afghanistan, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, maritime security issues, and notably, his views on former US President Donald Trump's stance on NATO.

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH INDIA

In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV, Kravik expressed optimism about finalising the FTA with India 'in the very near future,' highlighting the progress in negotiations despite the impending code of conduct for general elections in India.

'We are very hopeful that we will be concluding the free trade agreement with India in the very near future,' Kravik stated, acknowledging that while 'certain things need to be polished,' the process is moving positively forward.

The agreement, under discussion since 2008, involves EFTA countries—Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—eyeing to invest up to $100 billion over 15 years for market access in India.

This ambitious initiative aims at enhancing bilateral trade, with specific focus on patent protection, investment promotion, and addressing contentious issues like regulatory data protection for pharmaceuticals.

The 21st round of discussions, held in Delhi from January 8 to 13, 2024, tackled critical areas including trade in services, rules of origin, and intellectual property rights, marking significant headway towards mutual economic benefits.

AFGHANISTAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Kravik also shed light on Norway's stance on Afghanistan, emphasising a balanced approach towards engaging the Taliban while advocating for human rights, especially women's rights.

'We have a multifaceted approach to Afghanistan and de facto authorities,' he remarked, underscoring the importance of engagement for any progress.

Despite the challenges, Norway remains committed to advocating for human rights and opening dialogues for better relations between the international community and the Taliban.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT AND NATO

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Kravik reiterated Norway's support for Ukraine and the critical role of NATO in defending international law and sovereignty principles.

'We have been adamant in our support. We have a financial commitment to Ukraine. We have a military commitment to Ukraine in the form of supplying weaponry,' he said, emphasising NATO's unified stance against Russia's violation of international law.

He said, 'Well, to begin with the conflict, or the war, we have been crystal clear since the start that what Russia did was a violation, or is still doing, is a violation of international law. Ukraine is fighting for its existence and that is something that we support. We have been adamant in our support. We have a financial commitment to Ukraine.'

'We have a military commitment to Ukraine in the form of supplying weaponry and so forth. They are defending themselves and NATO is critical in that effort,' he added.

Regarding Trump's stance on NATO, Kravik conveyed confidence in the alliance's resilience, even under a potential Trump presidency.

'We are comfortable in this infrastructure, in the NATO infrastructure remaining intact also under a potential US or Trump presidency,' he assured, highlighting the collective support within the alliance for its defence agreement.

Despite previous statements by Trump, Kravik expressed certainty in the continued U.S. commitment to NATO principles, reflecting a trust in the enduring nature of these international relationships.

'There is a shared collective support within the alliance for this collective defence agreement that NATO is symbolic of and that is something that we think will be continued by any US president. Of course we have seen and heard some of the statements by former President Trump but there is an election transpiring and we know how these things are and we are certain that once the elections have been conducted,' he said.

Former US President Donald Trump, eyeing the Republican presidential nomination, has reignited concerns with his provocative stance on NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Trump's recent comments suggest a radical departure from the alliance's foundational principle of collective defence, alarming international observers and allies alike.

At a campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump recounted a purported interaction with a head of state during an unspecified NATO meeting. According to Trump, when asked whether the US would protect a NATO member state that had not met its defence spending obligations and was under attack by Russia, he responded negatively.

'You didn’t pay, you’re delinquent? No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You got to pay. You got to pay your bills,' Trump declared.

This statement starkly contrasts with the NATO treaty's Article 5, which commits member states to mutual defence in the event of an armed attack against any member.

Although the treaty encourages members to aim to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence—a benchmark that many members do not consistently achieve—Trump's comments suggest he views this financial commitment as a precondition for the US's fulfillment of its treaty obligations. This interpretation challenges the very spirit of collective defence that has underpinned NATO's success as a military.

MARITIME SECURITY AND ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

Addressing maritime security, Kravik condemned attacks against civilians and vessels in the Red Sea, stressing the urgency of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Norway's commitment to securing maritime corridors and advocating for a two-state solution highlights its dedication to international peace and security.

'When it comes to the Red Sea and the attacks that we have seen against civilians and vessels, that is completely intolerable and something that we have been condemning in the strongest terms,' Kravik said.

'We have communicated and condemned this directly to the Houthis and said this is not something that is tolerable and something that has to be condemned by us, by the international community. We have dedicated personnel and also resources to various operations that are active in terms of combating and at least preventing some of these things from attacks from occurring,' he added.

Kravik emphasised the tie-in to the Gaza conflict, urging a ceasefire in Gaza due to the unacceptable civilian suffering. He expressed hope for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance, constructive dialogue, and progress towards a two-state solution ensuring Palestinian sovereignty and Israeli security.

The Deputy Foreign Minister spoke on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi, underscoring Norway's proactive role in fostering global cooperation, advocating for human rights, and supporting international law amidst complex geopolitical landscapes.

indiatoday.in

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