In November 2024, 34 delegates from across sectors traveled from Norway to India, visiting Mumbai and Pune. Over an intensive four-day program, our mission was to provide Norwegian companies with valuable insights and connections in the Indian market. Here’s a look at what we achieved…
The learning aspect
India is a country of constant evolution, and no matter one’s previous experience, there’s always something new to learn. The pace of change is so rapid that even frequent visitors may feel out of date. Through site visits, seminars, and networking events, we aimed to expose our delegates to as much of today’s India as possible—while ensuring it was manageable enough to absorb!
Day 1: Mumbai
Evening: We kicked off the delegation with a networking dinner at the historic Royal Bombay Yacht Club, a remarkable venue steeped in Mumbai’s heritage. Nestled between the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, it provided a great backdrop for our first evening.
The program included a fascinating “Norway-India business history lesson” by Mr. George Mathew, former Honorary Consul General of Norway (1986-2015), who shared his unparalleled experience in fostering Norway-India business ties. Vineet Jain, NICCI board member, also gave delegates key insights into navigating business culture differences.
We ended the evening with a visit to the Gateway of India and the famous Cafe Leopold.
Day 2: Mumbai
Despite some jet lag, all 34 delegates participated in four parallel breakout sessions:
- Norwegian Consulate General and ICICI Bank:
One group visited the Norwegian Consulate General for a briefing on their activities, followed by a session at ICICI Bank Headquarters in the Bandra Kurla Complex. Hosted by NICCI board member Vineet Jain, the session included insights from Sameer Narang (Chief Economist, ICICI Bank) and Rahul Maheshwari (Norwegian Consulate General). - Energy Workshop:
Organized with NORWEP and hosted by DNV, this workshop introduced delegates to India’s energy ecosystem. Speakers, including Azam Ali Khan and Gautam Chabra, covered market dynamics, entry strategies, and real opportunities for Norwegian companies. - Talent Acquisition & Mobility:
This session focused on bridging gaps between Norwegian workforce needs and India’s talent pool. Topics included recruitment, relocation, and cultural adaptation, led by Thanabal Vijayaindra of Calpa Talent. - Tech & Innovation at TATA:
The tech & innovation breakout group visited TATA Consultancy Services (TCS), where Rajan Maheshwari (Country Head, TCS Norway) welcomed us. Together with a number of colleagues, he showcased cutting-edge innovations at the more than impressive TATA Executive Briefing Center.
Evening:
The Bombay Industries Association hosted a B2B networking session, where delegates and local businesses pitched their offerings.
Day 3: Mumbai
The highlight of the delegation was the Norway-India Business Seminar, organized in collaboration with Trilegal, one of India’s leading law firms. Featuring top speakers and thought-provoking panels, the seminar centered on the theme THINK BIG!—a mindset uniquely possible in India. Delegates explored inspiring growth stories that challenge Norwegian perspectives.
Speakers included leaders from Trilegal, Aavishkaar Group, Jio GenNext, Edelweiss Alternatives and TATA.
Norwegian companies Kongsberg, Orkla, DNV and NORWEP shared experience in India -moderated by Fredrik Bjerke Abdelmaguid, Deputy Head of Mission, Norwegian Consulate General, Mumbai.
NICCI and Trilegal will organize digital follow ups on the insightful presentations and panels.
The day concluded with a reception hosted by Consul General Monica Nagelgaard, offering further opportunities for high-level networking.
Day 4: Pune
We left Mumbai at 7 AM for Pune, a bustling city of 7 million people and a hub for education, IT services, and startups. Though one day was too short to cover all Pune offers, we divided into two groups:
Ideas to Impact Hub:
One group visited this major tech accelerator to gain insights into India’s innovation ecosystem and digital infrastructure leapfrogging. Discussions also focused on bridging Norway and India’s startup ecosystems, first with the launch of NICCI-I2I program to support Norwegian startups entering India in 2025.
MCCIA:
The second group visited the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture (MCCIA), Pune’s largest business network. NICCI works strategically with regional associations like MCCIA to foster effective business matchmaking.
The afternoon was spent at the World Trade Center Pune, with presentations of companies and platforms relevant for our delegates. The day was ended with a networking session with the WTC leaders and invited companies connected to this major corporate hub in Pune.
NICCI chairman Helge Tryti signed an MOU with Niraj Khinvasara from WTC to enhance collaboration and facilitate high-level connections for Norwegian companies in India.
Why Travel to India on a NICCI Delegation?
Spending time on the ground in India is essential for tapping into its immense opportunities. Our delegations offer a “soft landing,” connecting Norwegian companies with the right people, building relationships, and laying the foundation for future success.
A Final Note
An often overlooked benefit of such delegations is the internal sharing of experiences and perspectives among participants. This unique week together in India undoubtedly sparked ideas and potential collaborations among our Norwegian delegates.
Partnerships Ensuring a Smooth Journey
NICCI’s partnership with Emirates ensured a comfortable travel experience, including access to Emirates Business Class lounges in Dubai, making the long journey a little easier.
Stay tuned for updates on our next delegation and follow us as we continue building Norway-India business bridges!