About us

DMI are dedicated to bridging the gap in understanding about India in Norway.

Despite being the fifth largest economy globally and one of the fastest-growing, India remains largely unknown to many here. As a nuclear power and a major arms importer, with aspirations to lead in a multipolar world, India's rise on the global stage is increasingly acknowledged by established powers.

However, there's still a substantial knowledge gap about India. Negative perceptions in the media may be influencing public opinion, overshadowing the importance of factual understanding.

Det Moderne India is committed to shedding light on the rich tapestry of India's economy and geopolitics, fostering informed discussions and creating platforms for knowledge sharing.

Join us in exploring the endless possibilities of collaboration between Norway and India.

Andreas C. Wahl

Chair

He is a Partner at Bull & Co Advokatfirma AS in Oslo, Norway. With a legal career spanning over three decades, Andreas specializes in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), technology contracts, public procurement, and IT law. He advises both suppliers and customers on commercial contracts and procurement processes, bringing extensive experience as a lead negotiator. His practice has a strong focus on technology-driven businesses, including startups and companies in venture capital or private equity phases. Andreas also serves as an Ambassador for the Association of European Lawyers (AEL).

Håkon Reiersen Leknes

Board member

Haakon Reiersen Leknes is the Head of Customer Success at Insight by Volue, where he leads initiatives to enhance client engagement and product value in the evolving European power market. Prior to joining Volue, Haakon served as Program Director at Montel Group’s Energy Academy, orchestrating industry-leading conferences and educational programs. His earlier tenure at Nord Pool, Europe’s leading power exchange, provided him with deep insights into market operations and trading dynamics. Haakon's career reflects a commitment to advancing the energy sector through innovation and collaboration

Aesha Ullah

Board member

Aesha Ullah, Project Manager and Head of Partnerships at Norwegian Cultural Forum.
A professional with over 25 years of experience in the Nordic cultural sector, creative and media industries. Has worked with branding in Telenor and journalism in The Norwegian Broadcast (NRK) to promoting art and culture as a significant contributor to social development as well as in a global context.

Supporting and inspiring creatives within arts, music and storytelling through talent and project development from previous positions at the Norwegian Arts Council and The Norwegian Film Institute. Has contributed as an external expert in film and arts funding for the Nordic Cultural Fund. Focusing on creating spaces for dialogue and experience exchange within the storytelling industries. Speaker on inclusion, and broader perspectives in the arts and culture sector in the Nordics. Freelance writer, and actor. Presenter and moderator for The Oslo Mela World Music Festival, Tromsø International Film Festival and other industry events.

Rina Sunder

Board member

Rina Sunder is an investor and regular commentator and speaker on India, the rise of Asia, innovation, sustainability and global trends in leading Norwegian media and academia. She has worked at Geelmuyden.Kiese, PGS and was owner of Singapore-based investment company, Tigris Capital. From 2011 to 2015 she was a speaker on all India conferences in Norway. As Chair for Norway India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) Rina repositioned NICCI and tripled the membership base. Sunder also ensured that NICCI was included in Team Norway. In 2016/2017 Sunder logged off the world and started writing the text book “Det Moderne India”.

Erik Solheim

Board member

Previous Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme

Erik Solheim has been Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme. Prior to joining UN Environment, Solheim was the chair of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. In this capacity, Solheim emphasized the role of private sector and tax in development finance, spearheading the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership and the Addis Tax Initiative. From 2007 to 2012, Solheim held the combined portfolio of Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development, and from 2005 to 2007 served as Minister of International Development. This unique portfolio mixture allowed him to bring a coherent approach to development and the environment.

Ganesh Shenoy

Board member

Shenoy lead the finance and IT teams in MTR with a business development focus. Leveraging IT and financial analytics for business growth is his passion. He was on the Board of Rasoi Magic Foods (India) Pvt Ltd , a fully owned subsidiary of MTR Foods Pvt Ltd. and also on the Board of Norwegian Business Association of India since June 2017. He had the honor and privilege of being included in the All India CFO 100 Roll of Honour for 6 years in succession from – 2014 onwards till 2019 by CFO India an arm of 9.9 Media Pvt Ltd.

Himanshu Gulati

Board member

Member of Parliament

Himanshu Gulati is a Norwegian politician representing the Progress Party. Gulati was the chairperson of the Progress Party's Youth from 2012 to 2014. He served as State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Public Security from 2013 to 2014, and at the Office of the Prime Minister from 2014 until 2017. In 2017 he was elected as a representative in the Norwegian parliament from Akershus, where he has served in the Committee on Justice.

Anshul Jain

Board member

Anshul Jain is the Honorary Convener of the Indo Nordic EU Water Forum (INWF), a platform fostering collaboration between Indian and Nordic stakeholders in the water sector. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked extensively with foreign ministries and organizations from countries including Japan, Denmark, Iceland, and Canada.