Prime Minister Narendra Modi again batted for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine as he held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen on Tuesday. However, the Danish premier reiterated Denmark’s “strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian forces.” The Danish leader also hoped that India would use its influence over Russia to end the war. Frederiksen also asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to “stop this war and end the killings”.
“During the talks PM Modi repeatedly pushed for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Ukraine, highlighting several humanitarian issues resulting from the conflict,” sources told The Daily Guardian. PM Modi joined the Danish premier to condemn the human killings in the conflict zone. Sources said that the Danish premier was happy with India’s condemnation of the Bucha killings. PM Modi appealed to all those involved in the matter to follow the path of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis. “On this, the Danish premier urged PM Modi to use his influence and convince the Russian leader to stop the war immediately,” sources said.
PM Modi and his Danish counterpart discussed the Ukraine situation, humanitarian crisis, Indo-Pacific and other matters of bilateral interests including business,
trade and green technology. Modi and Frederiksen discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest to boost the bilateral relationship. “My message is very clear that Putin has got to stop this war and to end the killings. I, of course, hope that India will influence Russia also in this discussion,” Danish PM said after the bilateral meeting. Speaking to reporters in Copenhagen after bilateral talks with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, PM Modi expressed hope that the negotiations for the India-European Union free trade agreement are concluded at the earliest. Referring to how India and Denmark can improve their business ties, the Prime Minister stated that India’s infra and green sectors can offer huge investment opportunities for Danish firms.
SPECIAL GESTURE
PM Modi arrived in Copenhagen from Germany as part of his three-nation Europe tour. He was received by the Danish Prime Minister at the airport in what Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi described as a “special gesture”. He was welcomed by Frederiksen upon his arrival at Marienborg, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Denmark, for talks. Frederiksen gave a tour of her official residence to Modi and showed the painting he gifted her during her last India visit. It is a Pattachitra painting from Odisha. India and Denmark exchanged Letters of Intent and MoUs in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and Danish PM.
Earlier, both the leaders held tête-à-tête at Denmark PM’s residence in Copenhagen. Later, delegation level talks were held between PM Modi and Danish counterpart. Both sides reviewed progress in Green Strategic Partnership. They also discussed wide-ranging cooperation in areas of skill development, climate, renewable energy, Arctic, P2P ties, etc., MEA said.
“We share many values. We are two democratic nations, we both believe in a rule-based international system. In times such as these, we need to build an even stronger bridge between us. As close partners, we also discussed war in Ukraine,” Danish PM Mette Frederiksen said.
The Prime Minister appreciated the positive contribution of Danish companies in India to our flagship programmes. Prime Minister Frederiksen highlighted the positive role of Indian companies in Denmark. Both leaders lauded the expanding people to people ties between the two countries, and welcomed the Declaration of Intent on a migration and mobility partnership. “More than 200 Danish companies are working in different sectors in India. These companies are benefiting from increased ease of doing business and economic reforms in India. There are many investment opportunities for Danish companies and Danish Pension Funds in India’s infrastructure sector and green industries,” PM Modi remarked. Before concluding his visit, PM Modi will also meet Queen Margrethe II.
At India-Denmark Business Forum, PM Modi interestingly said that these days, the term FOMO or fear of missing out is gaining traction on social media. “Looking at India’s reforms and investment opportunities, I can say that those who don’t invest in our nation, will certainly miss out,” the PM said. PM Modi is using every opportunity during the Europe visit to give a big push to his flagship schemes “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India”. His conversations with industrialists and businessmen at various forums assume importance in this context. After Germany, PM Modi made it a point to hold interactions with the business community in Denmark.
JOINT STATEMENT
Meanwhile, the India-Denmark joint statement issued after the bilateral talks between PM Modi and Danish counterpart said, “The two Prime Ministers expressed their serious concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. They unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine. They reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. They emphasized that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states. They discussed the destabilizing effect of the conflict in Ukraine and its broader regional and global implications. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue.” “Finally, the two Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of India- EU Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen this partnership,” said the joint statement. The statement also said, “The two leaders appreciated the progress in restarting negotiations on India- EU Trade, Investment and Geographical Indicators Agreements and called for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial approach and an early and simultaneous conclusion.” “The Green Strategic Partnership, established during the Virtual Summit between the two Prime Ministers in September, 2020, has become a catalyst for enhanced cooperation between India and Denmark. The two PMs welcomed the concrete progress under the Green Strategic Partnership and reconfirmed their commitment to democratic values, rule of law and respect for human rights on which the Green Strategic Partnership is based.”
ADDRESS TO INDIAN COMMUNITY
Addressing the members of the Indian community in the presence of Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, PM Modi praised the peaceful and hardworking nature of the Indians. “Inclusiveness and cultural diversity is that strength of the Indian community which gives us a sense of liveliness every moment… It might be any language, but the culture of all of us is Indian,” he said. “Due to Covid-19, everyone’s life was going on in a virtual mode for a long time. As soon as the movement became possible last year, Danish PM Mette Frederiksen was the first Head of Government whom we had the opportunity to welcome to India. It shows the growing relations between India and Denmark,” he said. “An Indian, wherever he goes in the world, he contributes sincerely for his land of work, for that country. Many times when I meet world leaders, they proudly tell me about the achievements of the Indian community settled in their countries,” he said. PM Modi asked the Indian diaspora in Denmark to work as “Rashtradoot” (representatives of the country) and urged them to invite their peers to India under the “Chalo India” banner. Underlining India’s role on the global stage in the area of green transition, PM Modi said India had no hand in exploiting our Mother Earth, but it has taken on the challenge of saving the planet.
(WITH AGENCY INPUTS)