Modi, Danish PM Frederiksen discuss Green Strategic Partnership

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Danish counterpart  Mette Frederiksen on September 16.

• Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ across sectors such as trade, investment, innovation, energy, water management, food processing and sustainable development.

• Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark’s strong support for the conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement at the earliest, and for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.

• PM Modi conveyed his best wishes for the success of Denmark’s ongoing Presidency of the Council of the European Union and non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.

India-Denmark Relations

• The diplomatic relations between India and Denmark, established in September 1949, are marked by regular high level exchanges, and are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability. 

• Bilateral relations were elevated to the level of ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ during the Virtual Summit held in September 2020 between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Denmark  Mette Frederiksen.

• The Green Strategic Partnership is a mutually beneficial arrangement to advance political cooperation, expand economic relations and green growth, create jobs and strengthen cooperation on addressing global challenges and opportunities, with focus on an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• There are several bilateral institutional mechanisms at different levels between India and Denmark. The Joint Commission Meeting at the Foreign Ministers’ level (established in 2008) and the Foreign Office Consultations at Secretary-level (established in 1995) provide the broad framework for bilateral consultations encompassing all areas of mutual interest.

• The total volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Denmark was around $5.3 billion 2023.

• The major export items from India to Denmark are textiles, apparels and yarns related, vehicles and components, metal goods, iron and steel, leather and footwear, and travel goods. Major Danish exports to India are medicinal/pharmaceutical products, power generating machinery, industrial machinery, metal waste and ore, and organic chemicals.

• Around 200 Danish companies have invested in India in sectors such as shipping, renewable energy, environment, agriculture, food processing and smart urban development. Several Danish companies have built new manufacturing factories under the ‘Make in Indiaʼ scheme.

• India and Denmark signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement on February 22, 2024 in New Delhi.

• The size of the Indian community in Denmark is approximately 21,000.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)