NEW DELHI — India and Denmark on Saturday inked four agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest on sidelines of talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen here. The two nations on Saturday also decided to expand cooperation in "Green strategic partnership for the Green Transition".
The Ministry of External Affairs said Danish PM Frederiksen, who arrived in New Delhi earlier Saturday on an official three-day visit, met Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and discussed several bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern.
On the sidelines of the talks, both the sides inked four agreements in the areas of mapping ground water resources and aquifers, access to traditional knowledge and digital library, an MoU to establish a center of excellence towards natural refrigerants for tropical climates and an agreement on skill development and entrepreneurship.
Addressing a press meet after the talks, the Modi said that even during the coronavirus period, the pace of contact and cooperation between India and Denmark remained steady and establishing a Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries was a historic decision.
"This is a reflection of the foresight of both of our countries and respect for the environment. This partnership is an example of how by collective effort, through technology, one can work for green growth while preserving the environment.
“Today we not only reviewed the progress made under this Partnership, but also reiterated our commitment to increasing cooperation on climate change in the near future," Modi said.
He added that both the countries have decided to work on several technologies in the sectors of food safety, cold chain, food processing, fertilizers, fisheries, aqua culture and others in order to increase the agricultural productivity and income of farmers.
"We had in-depth and useful discussions on many regional and global issues. I would especially like to express my gratitude to Denmark for the strong support we have been receiving from Denmark at various international fora.
“In future also, our two countries with democratic values, belief in rules based order, will continue to work with each other with similar strong cooperation and coordination," Modi said.
Noting that Denmark has become a member of the International Solar Alliance, he further said that it was a new dimension in India-Denmark partnership.
He also said that both countries took a decision today to expand the scope of cooperation, adding new dimensions to it and initiated a new partnership in the field of health.
Modi also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host the next India-Nordic Summit, and for inviting him to visit Denmark.
On her part, the visiting Danish PM said that India and Denmark as two democratic nations are working to build an international system based on rules.
India and Denmark have set a new example through their cooperation on how green growth and green transition can go together, she said adding that both the countries will deepen cooperation in the field of health and agriculture.
Thanking PM Modi for accepting her invitation to visit Denmark, Frederiksen hailed Modi, saying he was an inspiration for the rest of the world for setting an ambitious target to provide clean water for over one million households and renewable energy. Frederiksen added that she hope to see mutual cooperation continue.
The visiting Danish PM is expected to meet Indian President Ram Nath Kovind later Saturday and is also scheduled to attend several programs in the capital. — Agencies
