New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) hosted a Norwegian seafood dinner at the Embassy on September 30 to mark the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) entering into force. The evening brought together 150 guests from across the seafood value chain, including importers, distributors, retailers, hoteliers, chefs, government representatives and media for a conversation on how the market for Norwegian salmon and seafood can grow in India. Before the dinner, 'The Norwegian Seafood Seminar 2026' was organised to share information about Norwegian seafood, the potential for future cooperation and to provide the possibility to meet Norwegian export companies.
TEPA marked its first anniversary of entering into force on October 1, 2026. The dinner offered a platform for dialogue on market development, trade and future opportunities for Norwegian seafood and highlighted how closer economic cooperation can support long-term growth, innovation and consumer access to premium seafood products.
"One year on, the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is delivering tangible results for Norwegian seafood in India. Norway and India share an interest in trade that is open, sustainable and built on long-term partnerships and this evening was a chance to celebrate what has been achieved and to look at what comes next," said May-Elin Stener, Norway's Ambassador to India.
Celebrity Chef Sabyasachi Gorai built the menu around Norwegian seafood and the star was salmon served two ways: Jerk-spiced Salmon, Pan-fried with Hot Honey and BBQ-rubbed Salmon with Paprika Cream. Grilled Scallop on the Half Shell and Lemon Herb Cod with Garlic Crumble and Creamy Garlic Veloute were other Norwegian Seafood attractions, with all the mains served on a bed of Spanish paella. The hors d'oeuvres included King Crab Salad with Avocado and Cold Water Shrimp Cocktail.
Chef Saby creating dishes using Norwegian seafood at Norwegian Seafood Dinner
"Demand that lasts is never built by a single link in the chain. It's built when importers, retailers, chefs and partners sit at the same table. Tonight showed how much appetite India has for Norwegian salmon and our job now is to ensure that appetite is matched by understanding of where the fish comes from, how it is farmed and why it can be trusted," said Johan Kvalheim, Industry Manager at the Norwegian Seafood Council.
The dinner came on the back of a strong start to the year, with Norwegian salmon exports to India up 141 per cent to 361 tonnes and value up 143 per cent to NOK 26.2 million (Rs 264.75 million) between January and August 2026. Tariffs on the remaining salmon categories continue to fall under TEPA and are expected to reach zero by 2029.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.