Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
September 28
**EDS: VIDEO GRAB** New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen during a virtual bilateral summit, in New Delhi, Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. (DD News/PTI Photo)(PTI28-09-2020_000147B)
India and Denmark on Monday decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a “green strategic partnership”, the first of its kind, during a virtual summit between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mette Frederiksen.
Niche pollution control solutions being offered by Denmark include those to curb stubble burning.
“Danish companies are already talking to Indian companies to take it forward,” said MEA’s Joint Secretary (Central Europe) at a media briefing.
India and Denmark have agreed to collaborate in several sectors on the basis of an action plan that will set specific targets for the next few years, the official added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address indicated that Indian expectations from Denmark went well beyond pollution control initiatives and partnerships.
He mentioned the extensive reforms in the manufacturing, labour, regulatory and taxation sectors, recalled Denmark’s constant attendance at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit since 2009, and cautioned against the risks of overdependence on a single source.
The PM also spoke of the virtual conferences with India, Japan, Australia and France to diversify supply chains and invited other like-minded democracies to join this endeavour.
PM Modi observed that India and Denmark could set up energy parks where a large number of Danish companies are present.
India had recently intensified its conversation with Denmark and the groundwork for this summit was laid during talks between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries in January, followed up with more online interactions.
Besides tapping Denmark for technology and manufacturing, another reason for India’s attempt to build closer ties is strategic. Denmark is a leading player in the group of five Nordic countries – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland – which, like Russia are interested in the opportunities in the Arctic Sea.
Besides, Denmark is the only Nordic country that has made a maritime foray in the Straits of Hormuz (SoH) along with seven other countries with active assistance from the UAE with whom India enjoys close ties.
Called European Maritime Awareness in the SoH (EMASOH), it intends to deploy surveillance ships and drones in the Gulf and Arabian Sea.
The EMASOH also intends to get involved in the politics of the region by encouraging de-escalation and promoting regional dialogue.
Denmark had recently welcomed the normalisation of ties between the UAE and Israel.
