Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with his Denmark counterpart Mette Frederiksen when they discussed the expansion of the Green Strategic Partnership in various fields, which have created favourable conditions for Danish investments in India to contribute to the green transition.
During the telephone conversation, the two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations as well as global developments.
“Recalling high-level exchanges between both countries ever since the launch of the Green Strategic Partnership in 2020, the leaders noted the expansion of the Green Strategic Partnership in various fields which have created favourable conditions for Danish investments in India to contribute to green transition,” read a statement issued by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office.
Modi said that he was looking forward to the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, scheduled to be held later this year in Norway, and his meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen at that time.
India-Denmark relationship
Diplomatic relations between India and Denmark, established in September 1949, are based on historical links, common democratic traditions and shared desire for regional, as well as international peace and stability.
Bilateral relations were elevated to the level of “Green Strategic Partnership” during the Virtual Summit held on September 28, 2020 between Modi and Frederiksen.
The current development of renewed India-Denmark relations has been guided by the “Green Strategic Partnership”.
“Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Denmark on 3-4 May 2022. The visit included two components- bilateral talks with PM Frederiksen and the 2nd India-Nordic Summit hosted by India and Denmark. During the bilateral talks, the two Prime Ministers reviewed the progress of India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Denmark.
Prime Minister Frederiksen paid a State Visit to India on 9-11 October 2021 and held bilateral talks with PM Modi. During the visit, she also called on the President of India. This was the first visit by a Head of Government to India following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bilateral trade
As per Denmark Statistics, the total volume of bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Denmark was around USD 5.3 billion in 2023 as compared to around USD 6.64 billion in 2022. It was USD 4.96 billion in 2021. Indian exports (in goods and services) reached USD 2.74 billion in 2023 while imports amounted to around USD 2.59 billion.
The major export items from India to Denmark are textiles, apparels and yarns related, vehicles and components, metal goods, iron and steel, leather and footwear, and travel goods. Major Danish exports to India are medicinal/pharmaceutical products, power generating machinery, industrial machinery, metal waste and ore, and organic chemicals.
During 2023, bilateral trade in goods and services reached USD 5.31 billion; exports from India reaching USD 2.74 billion and imports amounting to USD 2.59 billion. Bilateral trade in services between India and Denmark was USD 4.52 billion in 2022.
