Visit by the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Lars Løkke Rasmussen along with an official delegation paid a visit to India from 21-22 February 2024. The Danish Minister participated in the 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue. The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral conference on geopolitics and geo-economics which is held annually in New Delhi.
In continuation of the Raisina Dialogue, the Danish Minister met with the External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar. The Foreign Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress made under the Indo-Danish Green Strategic Partnership, reconfirmed their commitment, and agreed to work towards an enhanced strategic perspective for a Comprehensive Green Strategic Partnership once the existing Joint Action Plan ends in 2026. The aim is to expand the partnership into the following areas: defence, security and new technology. Additionally, the ministers will look into the possibilities of Danish contribution to the regional cooperation, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), as well as the possibilities of establishing a partnership on recruitment of Indian health care professionals for employment in Denmark. In respect of the latter, the two Ministers signed a New Mobility Agreement that strengthens the cooperation on recruitment of qualified labour. At the same time, the ministers unveiled the new joint logo celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and Denmark.
On February 21st, the Danish Minister attended a signing ceremony at the Royal Danish Embassy in New Delhi. In the presence of the Minister, four Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) were announced between Danish companies and investment funds and Indian companies and state governments. Afterwards, the Danish Minister met with representatives from the Danish business side based in India. The Danish business side were represented by Carlsberg, Ramboll and Vestas amongst others.
Later on Wednesday February 21st, the Minister attended the inaugural ceremony of the Raisina Dialogue. Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated this year’s Dialogue with the theme “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create”.
On Thursday morning, the Danish Foreign Minister participated in a Nordic-Baltic panel debate on sustainable de-risking and the New North-South Partnership. The panel debate was given the suitable title: “Northern Lights and Southern Sun”.
Following the Raisina Dialogue, the Danish Minister visited the public medical research university and hospital AIIMS in New Delhi. The Danish Minister and his delegation was given a guided tour by the the Director of AIIMS, Dr. M. Srinivas where he met with competent nurses and aspiring students.
Along with the other NB8 Foreign Ministers, H.E. Lars Løkke Rasmussen was invited to lunch hosted by the External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar. During the meeting, the foreign ministers had a discussion about regional, global and multilateral issues as green technologies, digital and cyber cooperation. NB8 is a cooperation between the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) along with the three Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania).
In the afternoon, the Danish and Indian Foreign Ministers met to discuss the midterm and future of the Green Strategic Partnership as well as signing the New Mobility Agreement, and unveiling the new joint logo to mark 75 years of friendship between India and Denmark.