The Official Visit by Indian PM Narendra Modi in Denmark
Prime Minister of India H.E. Shri. Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Denmark from 3-4 May 2022 at the invitation of Prime Minister of Denmark, H.E. Mette Frederiksen. It has been 20 years since an Indian Prime Minister has visited Denmark. It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Denmark but his third summit level interaction with the Danish Prime Minister.
PM Modi’s visit to Denmark revolved around generative interactions and discussions on bilateral issues, issues of regional and global interest. The two PMs welcomed the concrete progress under the Green Strategic Partnership and reconfirmed their commitment to democratic values, rule of law and respect for human rights on which the Green Strategic Partnership is based. Both noted with satisfaction the progress made in various areas since the visit of PM Frederiksen to India in October 2021, especially in the sectors of renewable energy, health, shipping, and water. Both also noted with satisfaction the progress made in collaboration in the fields of urban and rural water supply, groundwater mapping, wastewater management, river rejuvenation and digitalization.
They also agreed on the importance of cultural exchanges and welcomed the signing of a new Cultural Exchange Program.
In addition, various important matters were discussed during the meeting of both the Prime Ministers such as:
Trade and Investments
Both the Prime Ministers reviewed and underlined the importance of bilateral trade and investments and focussed upon maximizing the economic ties between both the countries. Both the leaders welcomed the launch of the ‘India Green Finance Initiative’ which aims to finance green projects and create jobs in India.
Health and Cultural Cooperation
Both the sides agreed on continued collaboration in the field of antimicrobial resistance.
The two Prime Ministers also agreed on importance of cultural connect and welcomed the signing of a new cultural exchange program.
Regional and global developments
Both the leaders discussed current regional and global developments, including the Ukraine conflict. Both the Prime Ministers discussed as well the strengthening of the India-EU Strategic Partnership and a commitment to further strengthen this partnership.
Multilateral Cooperation
Both the leaders focussed upon a rule-based international order and a reformed multilateral system. The Danish Prime Minister also reiterated Denmark’s support for India’s permanent membership in UN Security council. Prime Minister Modi also confirmed India’s support for Denmark’s candidacy for non-permanent membership of UN Security council for 2025-26.
Climate Cooperation
The two Prime Ministers welcomed the international agreement at COP26. Both the sides confirmed the aspirations through Green Strategic Partnership to take global leadership by pushing for ambitious green energy transition and be demonstrating the pathways to achieving it.
On the first day of the two-day visit, Prime Minister of both the countries also interacted with business leaders of India and Denmark under the umbrella of India-Denmark Business forum. A list of total 9 agreements was signed or announced during the visit. Among others, was the agreement of the Letter of Intent (LoI) between Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, GOI and Ministry of Business, Industry and Financial Affairs of Denmark on Centre of Excellence in Green Shipping and the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) between the Ministry of Culture, GoI and Ministry of Culture of Denmark for the years 2022-2026. To see the full list, follow the link: List of agreements
On May 3rd, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in audience together with the Crown Prince Couple at the historic Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. Her Majesty hosted an official dinner for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Christians VII’s mansion at the Amalienborg Palace. The Prime Minister felicitated Her Majesty on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of her accession to the throne of Denmark. The Prime Minister briefed Her Majesty on the increasing momentum in India - Denmark ties in the recent years, particularly with the Green Strategic Partnership. He also lauded the role of the Danish Royal Family in furthering social causes.
On 4th May, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir of Iceland, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden and Prime Minister Sanna Marin of Finland. Fruitful discussions were held on cooperation in maritime sector with a focus on sustainable ocean management. The Prime Minister invited Nordic companies for investing in the Blue Economy sector, especially in India’s Sagarmala project. India’s partnership with the Nordics in the Arctic Region was also discussed. The Prime Minister noted that India’s Arctic Policy provides a good framework for expansion of India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region.
Read the India-Denmark Joint Statement here.