India, Denmark to expand ties in health, agri, climate sectors

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Saturday held “fruitful” talks with a focus on expanding cooperation in a range of key areas such as health, agriculture, water management, climate change and renewable energy.

In his media statement after the talks, Modi said both sides reviewed the progress made under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and deliberated on further expansion of overall cooperation in multiple sectors.

The two sides also inked four agreements that will provide for deepening of cooperation in science and technology, climate change and skill development.

“A year ago today, we took the historic decision to establish a Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark in our virtual summit. This is a sign of far-reaching thinking and respect for the environment by both our countries,” he said.

In her remarks, the Danish PM complimented Modi for his focus on green technologies and described him as an “inspiration for the rest of the world”.

PM Frederiksen arrived in New Delhi early this morning and is scheduled to stay for another 3 days. (ANI)
“I am also proud that Danish solutions play a key role when it comes to your very ambitious targets… You have set some very ambitious targets when it comes to clean water for over one million households and for renewable energy including off-shore wind,” she said.

Modi said both sides decided to cooperate in areas like efficient supply chain, smart water resources management and technologies relating to the farm sector to increase agricultural productivity in India.

In her media statement, Frederiksen said the cooperation between India and Denmark is a great example of how green growth and green transition go hand-in-hand. She said both sides decided to boost cooperation, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors.

Ahead of the talks between the two prime ministers, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Frederiksen. (The Indian Express)