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Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Food is a true product of history and culture.

The culture and traditions of India are reflected in the variety and richness of India's cuisine. Indian food has become popular throughout the world, also in my country.

Yet, some of us need time to get used to the more spicy elements.

During the past two days my delegation and I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Government of India. We have been introduced to the culinary treats of our hosts.

To-night, I am pleased to extend a token of appreciation.

To-night, we offer a taste of our own culture and traditions.

Fish has brought prosperity to Norway for eight hundred years.

To-day, fishing, fish processing and seafood exports are a major source of income for the population along my country’s rugged coastline. To-day, fisheries and aquaculture are our second largest export industry. Norway is the world's largest exporter of seafood. Around the globe, Norwegian fish find customers in a variety of cultures.

I will thank the Norwegian Seafood Export Council for your contributions. Your effort has made it possible for us to enjoy samples of what my country has to offer.

Dear friends, the purpose of this event goes beyond the meal itself.

For the first time in 14 years a Norwegian prime minister pays an official visit to India. This largest of the world’s democracies. This continent unto itself. I have the honour to discuss with the premier leaders of the nation both bilateral and international questions. There are many facets. We share interest in how the United Nations works and its peacekeeping, in international health questions in combating poverty, in promoting the World Trade Organisation, in promoting culture and extended relations between our countries.

Yet, to-night, I will focus on economic co-operation.

Trade between Norway and India has traditionally been limited. We want to expand these relations. My hope is that my visit will be a contribution.

Interest among Norwegian companies for developing business relations with India is growing. I will point out two particular sectors.

Throughout my visit I will highlight hydropower and information technology.

India has vast hydropower resources. Earlier to-day, I attended the Indo-Norwegian Power Conference. We focused on the promise for closer bonds in the development of those resources. The utilisation of Norway's hydropower was no less than the basis for the transformation of the country - the transformation from a poor agrarian society to a modern industrial nation.

Our companies have acquired expertise and experience that might serve India's own ambitions to utilise her rich hydropower potential.

Information technology has changed the world. And, importantly, it has changed the way we see the world: All citizens of the world, be he Norwegian or Indian, are potentially so much closer.

In Bangalore on Monday, we will promote a closer co-operation in the area of information and communications technology.

The achievements of India are impressive. These achievements have changed the way we view India. Bangalore and other cities have become signposts of innovation, knowledge and technology. I am fascinated.

Your contribution relates to our own ambitions to diversify society from a raw material-based industrial society towards a knowledge-based society.

This development is possible only when we take part in the ICT revolution.

Norway enjoys a well-educated work force. We have built a technologically advanced industry. We have a developed information technology sector. My ambition on this front is to support new networks, help forge new alliances and co-operation between Norwegian companies and Indian counterparts.

Norwegian-Indian economic relations involve so much more than hydropower and IT. This is reflected in the composition of the business delegation. I am committed to the efforts made by companies and authorities that strengthen the economic relations between our two countries.

I will point out but one of these areas close to a Norwegian’s heart.

Norway’s merchant fleet has the privilege to employ 4000 excellent Indian officers. They contribute substantially to our merchant marine’s competitiveness and progress.

Dear friends, I have had constructive meetings with the political leaders of India during my stay in New Delhi. I am confident about the promise of Norwegian-Indian relations. I trust that this visit will contribute to the bonds between us.

They say that the way to a man’s heart goes through his stomach. I hope we will reach many a heart to-night.

So let us raise our glasses to that long-lasting friendship between our two nations, and to our fruitful co-operation.