Signing of nine agreements with India, PM Modi said - Free trade treaty with European Union is possible soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope that India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) will take shape soon. Modi expressed this hope after talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The two leaders also discussed issues like Indo-Pacific, Green Strategic Partnership, Ukraine crisis.

The Foreign Ministry said, nine agreements have also been signed with Denmark. These include agreements to include ports, migration and mobility, cultural exchange, water power, vocational education-entrepreneurship, skill development, animal husbandry and dairy, energy policy and India as a mission partner in the International Center for Anti-Microbial Resistant Solutions.

In a press conference with Fredriksson, Modi said, India and Denmark share values ​​like democracy, freedom of expression and rule of law. In our virtual meeting with Denmark in October 2020, we had termed our relationship as a Green Strategic Partnership. The partnership's action plan was also reviewed. After Germany, PM Modi reached Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark on Tuesday, where he was received by Fredriksson at the airport.

Invitation to invest in India

Prime Minister Modi invited Danish companies, pension funds to invest in India's infrastructure sector. He said, more than 200 Danish companies are already in India and are taking advantage of the government's ease of doing business policy.

Referring to 'FOMO': Modi also discussed the popular phrase Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on social media. "Looking at the reforms and investment options in India, I can say that those who do not invest in our country will certainly be missed," he said.

Support for India's claim for permanent membership in UNSC

Frederickson again supported India's permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. At the same time, it was agreed on a common effort to reform the United Nations, including the Security Council, to make it more effective, transparent and accountable.

Emphasis on bilateral trade

In a joint statement, Modi and Frederickson underscored the importance of bilateral trade and investment. He also stressed the need to take the economic ties between the two countries to the maximum level. According to the statement, the flow of investment and trade will ensure prosperity and economic security of the citizens. This flow should be through a flexible, diversified, transparent, open, secure and predictable global supply chain.

The two leaders welcomed Danish investments in India in renewable energy, water, port management, food processing and other new sectors, while India's investment in Denmark's information technology sector. India has become the country with the largest number of employees in Dennis companies outside Denmark.

Ukraine's ceasefire appeal again

Modi again appealed to both sides to return to the path of dialogue for an immediate end to the conflict in Ukraine and for a solution. At the same time, Frederickson expressed hope that India would use its influence over Russia to end the war. "My message is very clear, Putin, end the war and stop the killings," he said. In a joint statement also, both the leaders expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. "We unequivocally condemn the civilian killings taking place in Ukraine," the statement said.

India's role in damaging the environment is negligible: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that India's role in harming the environment is negligible. Modi said this while addressing the people of the Indian community in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark. We have taken up the challenge of making India a 'total zero carbon emission' country by 2070. Promoting 'Life for the Environment' is the biggest demand of the time. It is very important to break out of consumption based mindset. The use and throw mentality is negative for our planet. Modi has reached Denmark after Germany in a three-nation tour of Europe.

Amidst the slogans of 'Modi-Modi' and 'Modi hai to mumkin hai', the PM said that wherever Indians go in the world, for that country, for their Karmabhoomi, they contribute with utmost seriousness. "Many times when I meet world leaders, they proudly tell me about the achievements of the Indian community in their country," he said. The total number of Indians settled in different countries of the world is more than the population of many countries.

Modi said, whatever India is achieving today, it is not only India's but 20 percent of humanity's achievement. Imagine, if in India we could not make the vaccine reach every family, what would be the effect on the world? When the power of India increases, the power of the world increases.

You know how to welcome your leader, teach our people too: Frederickson

Danish PM Fredriksson was also present on the stage along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fredrickson addressed the people before PM Modi. Fredriksson said that thanks to all the Indians living and working in Denmark who have made a positive contribution to Danish society. He told the Indian community that I must say that it is very nice to welcome you to a politician. Please teach this to the people of Denmark also.

Denmark's prime minister was next in line

Denmark's PM Mette Fredriksson was sitting in the first row between Modi's speech. Praising him, Modi said, "PM Frederickson's presence here is a testament to the love and respect he has for Indians."

Cultural diversity and inclusion is the strength of the Indian community: The Prime Minister said that inclusion and cultural diversity is such a power of the Indian community that every moment makes us feel alive and these values ​​have been inculcated in us over a period of thousands of years.

New Chapter in Green Strategic Partnership: Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Tuesday that PM Modi's visit to Denmark has opened a new chapter in the Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The visit has set an ambitious agenda of beneficial cooperation for both the countries.