The growing closeness and dynamism in India-Denmark relationship was on full show as Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his visit to Copenhagen, the second leg of his tour of Europe, on Tuesday.
As Air India One touched down at the Copenhagen airport, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen received PM Modi in a gesture which was described as "heartwarming" and "special" by India's Ministry of External Affairs.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) labeled it as "a special start to a special visit" also perhaps considering the fact that it is for the first time in 20 years that an Indian PM is on an official visit to Denmark.
It also takes place in continuation of Frederiksen's visit to New Delhi in October 2021 and marks the close Danish-Indian partnership which has progressed at an enormous pace since both countries entered into a green strategic partnership in 2020.
"Landed in Copenhagen. I am very grateful to PM Frederiksen for the warm welcome. This visit will go a long way in further cementing India-Denmark ties," tweeted PM Modi both in English and Danish.
Frederiksen's office said that PM Modi's visit marks the close Denmark-India relationship with the focus on the green strategic partnership between both the countries. "The war in Ukraine has shown the importance of green transition – for our climate and our security," it added.
Both leaders then travelled to Marienborg, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Denmark.
As the two PMs took a tour of the picturesque estate which has been the official residence of Denmark's Prime Minister since 1962, Frederiksen also showed the Pattachitra painting which was gifted to her by PM Modi, last October.
As they "walked the talk" at Marienborg, the MEA said that the bonhomie which was visible between the two leaders mirrored the close ties between India and Denmark.
"Marienborg provided the perfect setting for productive discussions with PM Frederiksen. We had extensive deliberations on how to enhance India-Denmark relations," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.
The two leaders held talks in a one-on-one format, followed by delegation level talks.
Marienborg provided the perfect setting for productive discussions with PM Frederiksen. We had extensive deliberations on how to enhance India-Denmark relations. @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/g7XnhBZLcp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 3, 2022
PM Modi told his counterpart that India called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and adoption of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the problem. Frederiksen, on the other hand, said that Denmark would "like to see India use its influence" with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing hostilities in the region.
Besides exchanging views on other regional and global issues, including India-EU relations and the Indo-Pacific, both Prime Ministers also reviewed progress of the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership with discussions covering cooperation in renewable energy, especially offshore wind energy and green hydrogen, as well as skill development, health, shipping, water and the Arctic, among others.
"More than 200 Danish companies are operating in various areas in India – such as wind energy, shipping, consultancy, food processing, engineering. There are many such areas, they are getting the benefit of increasing 'Ease of Doing Business' in India and our macroeconomic reforms. There are plenty of investment opportunities for Danish companies and Danish Pension Funds in India's infrastructure sector and green industries," said PM Modi.
A Joint Statement was also adopted after the delegation level talks.
The two leaders then met top business leaders from both the countries at an India-Denmark Business Forum.
"These days the term FOMO or ‘fear of missing out’ is gaining traction on social media. Looking at India’s reforms and investment opportunities, I can say that those who don’t invest in our nation will certainly miss out," PM Modi told the gathering.
It was followed by PM Modi addressing the Indian community of Denmark.
Denmark has one of the oldest monarchies in the world. From current monarch Queen Margrethe II, the Danish monarchy dates back to the first Viking kings of Denmark more than 1000 years ago.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to wrap up his busy day with an official dinner hosted by Denmark's Queen and the Crown Prince Couple at Amalienborg, the home of the Danish royal family in Copenhagen.
On Wednesday, PM Modi will participate in the Indo-Nordic summit, in which the heads of government from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland will also participate.
Also Read: India and Denmark to impart global push for a green economy during Danish PM's visit
