Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Palm Leaf Pattachitra, a masterpiece of Odisha’s ancient artistry, to Queen Sonja of Norway during his landmark two-day visit to the Nordic nation.
An intricate silver filigree sailboat model from Cuttack was gifted to King Harald V, highlighting Odisha’s Tarakasi craftsmanship and maritime legacy.
The gifts, symbolising the deep cultural heritage of India, were exchanged when PM Modi called on King Harald V and Queen Sonja at the Royal Palace in Oslo.
Palm Leaf Pattachitra, locally known as Tala Pattachitra, is one of Odisha’s most ancient and intricate art forms. Unlike cloth-based paintings, this tradition involves engraving detailed illustrations onto carefully treated palm leaves sourced from the Palmyra tree. Renowned for its extraordinary precision, the artwork is often created as foldable panels or strips joined by thread, blending storytelling, calligraphy, and classical iconography into a single artistic form. Its organic texture and fine detailing reflect generations of patient craftsmanship and the enduring creativity of Odisha’s artisan communities.
The silver filigree of Cuttack is a centuries-old craft where beaten silver is drawn into exceptionally fine threads and foils to create delicate, lace-like jewelry and showpieces. It is a GI-tagged product of Odisha.
This visit marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Norway in over four decades, since Indira Gandhi’s trip in 1983. PM Modi, who arrived in Oslo from Sweden, held bilateral talks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, during which the two leaders elevated relations to a “Green Strategic Partnership.” Discussions focused on clean energy, blue economy, green shipping, climate cooperation, technology, trade, and investment.
Key outcomes included agreements on space, health, and digital cooperation, as well as Norway’s participation in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The visit also featured the third India-Nordic Summit, bringing together leaders from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland to explore enhanced collaboration on sustainability, innovation, and global challenges.
PM Modi highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation and opportunities for Norwegian businesses, while King Harald V conferred upon him Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, in recognition of his contributions to India-Norway relations.
The visit is expected to pave the way for deeper economic engagement, including progress toward the India-EFTA trade deal.
