Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen engaged in a telephonic conversation, reinforcing their commitment to the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark and discussing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine.

India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership

The Green Strategic Partnership, established in September 2020, serves as a catalyst for enhanced cooperation between India and Denmark. Both countries have ambitious goals within the climate agenda. The partnership aims to advance political cooperation, expand economic relations and green growth, create jobs, and strengthen cooperation on addressing global challenges and opportunities. A key focus is the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

India and Denmark are working towards expanding and strengthening cooperation in several key areas:

• Energy and Climate Change: Cooperation within the renewable energy sector is being strengthened, with a focus on green hydrogen, integration of renewable energy, energy storage, and decarbonization.
• Environment/Water and Circular Economy: Both countries intend to deepen cooperation in safe and secure water management, including initiatives like a Smart Laboratory on Clean River Water in Varanasi and a Centre of Excellence on Smart Water Resources Management.
• Sustainable Urban Development: This includes smart cities initiatives.
• Business, Trade, and Shipping.

Denmark has a long tradition of renewable energy development, with a significant portion of its electricity supply coming from renewables. India's renewable energy capacity has also surpassed 200 GW, demonstrating a commitment to a sustainable energy future. The India-Denmark Energy Partnership (INDEP) strengthens this commitment through capacity building, technology transfer, and advancing expertise in offshore wind, energy modeling, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Prime Minister Frederiksen reaffirmed Denmark's strong support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Negotiations for the FTA have reached a critical stage, with reports indicating that major issues have been resolved. The talks have entered their final phase, aiming for completion by December 2025.

Both India and the EU are pursuing a comprehensive trade deal while considering early harvest options. The 13th round of negotiations in New Delhi focused on protecting sensitive sectors, with India emphasizing the prioritization of farmers' interests. The 14th round is scheduled for October 6–10 in Brussels.

The FTA is crucial, as the EU is a major trading partner of India. The agreement could significantly boost trade relations between India and the EU. Through this agreement, India is seeking preferential access to its labor-intensive exports like textiles and apparel, leather, and other products like machinery, chemicals, pharma, and metals.

Ukraine Conflict

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's consistent support for a peaceful and early resolution through diplomacy and dialogue. Prime Minister Frederiksen highlighted Denmark's commitment to global peace and stability and emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing the global consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine.