Reminiscing the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark that was launched during their Virtual Summit on September 28, 2020, the leaders emphasized sustainable development.
The Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen is on a three-day visit to India from 9-11 October.
Their common vision for scientific cooperation was reflected in the agreements signed and also in discussions on COVID-19.
New Agreements
- An MoU (Memorandum of understanding) was inked between the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CISR) based in Hyderabad, and Aarhus University, Denmark, and Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland on mapping of groundwater resources and aquifers.
- An MoU between the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and Danfoss Industries Private Limited to establish a Centre of Excellence towards natural refrigerants for tropical climates with potential applications.
- Joint Letter of Intent between Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of the Republic of India, and The Government of Denmark.
- Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Access Agreement between Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and Danish Patent and Trademark Office.
It was also decided that the two countries will establish collaboration between ‘science agencies on the Indian side and the Novo Nordisk Foundation on the Danish side through matched contributions, for research and development in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.’
On COVID-19
The Prime Ministers acknowledged the need to strengthen the World Health Organization and international preparedness.
The leaders agreed on forging globally beneficial vaccine partnerships.
Mutual recognition of vaccination certificates to ease travel between the two countries was also discussed.
UN Reforms
Prime Minister Frederiksen congratulated India on its successful Presidency of the UN Security Council in August and assured of Denmark’s support for India’s permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.
Prime Minister Modi too extended India’s support for Denmark’s candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026.
Cultural Cooperation
Cultural cooperation was discussed, and it was decided to strengthen the India-Denmark cultural exchanges.
Freedom of Navigation
Highlighting the shared values of democracy and respect for human rights, the Prime Ministers of Denmark and India also spoke of ‘strengthening multilateralism and a rules-based international order, including freedom of navigation.’
Afghanistan
The Prime Ministers agreed on the importance of avoiding destabilization in Afghanistan and strengthening the regional trade and connectivity while insisting on the country taking firm steps to counter the radicalization and maintaining the progress of the last two decades on fundamental rights.
The Danish PM calls on President Ramnath Kovind
Mette Frederiksen, the Prime Minister of Denmark, called on President Ram Nath Kovind on October 9.
The Danish Prime Minister is the first world leader the Indian President had received at the Rashtrapati Bhavan after the COVID-19 related restrictions were self-imposed by almost all the nations.
Appreciating the shared values and aspirations between the nations, the President said that several Danish companies, public and private, are engaged in several states of the country, working on key National Missions such as ‘Make in India,’ and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission.’
The President invited the Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, to visit India next year. The Queen will be marking the Golden Jubilee of her reign, while India will be celebrating 75 years of Independence.
The Queen of Denmark visited India in 1963 when she was a princess.