India and the Kingdom of Denmark have launched a Green Strategic Partnership that aims to deliver sustainable solutions to India. This partnership endeavors to expand economic ties, promote green growth, and address global challenges such as climate change. Danish firms with innovative technologies and expertise have expressed their readiness to aid India in reaching its targets for air pollution control, with an emphasis on addressing the recurrent issue of burning crop residue. The partnership also extends to combatting the Covid-19 pandemic and fostering cooperation in water efficiency and reduced water wastage.
Proposed Initiatives Under the Green Strategic Partnership
Under the partnership, plans are underway to establish India-Denmark energy parks in regions with a significant number of Danish companies. There is also a proposal to create an India-Denmark skills institute, which will be responsible for training Indian manpower. This Green Strategic Partnership will build upon the existing Joint Commission for Cooperation as well as established joint working groups.
Facilitating Intellectual Property Cooperation
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Intellectual Property (IP) Cooperation with Denmark. This MoU aims to increase IP cooperation between the two countries, encouraging the exchange of information and best practices on processes for patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and Geographical Indications disposal applications. The cooperation also extends to the protection of traditional knowledge. This initiative is viewed as a significant step towards making India a key player in global innovation and furthering the objectives of the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, 2016.
Historical India-Denmark Relations
India and Denmark have a history of collaboration, signing a Joint Commission for Cooperation back in February 2009. This agreement promotes cooperation in a range of fields, including politics, economics, commerce, science and technology, energy, environment, and education. Joint working groups exist on Shipping, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Environment, Biotechnology, New and Renewable Energy, and Labour Mobility. Presently, over 140 Danish companies are participating in India’s Make in India initiative.
Purulia Arms Drop Case and its Impact on Relations
However, the relationship between the countries experienced some strain due to the non-extradition of the main accused of the Purulia arms drop case, Kim Davy, by Danish officials. With a view to resolving this issue, officials from both sides have pledged to work towards a quick resolution during recent meetings. Moreover, India has invited Denmark to participate in the supply chain resilience initiative, which is proposed between Japan and Australia.
About Denmark
Denmark is located in Europe, made up of more than 400 islands to the east of the Jutland peninsula. Its official language is Danish, and it predominantly comprises ethnic Danes. The Danish krone is the country’s official currency, and Copenhagen serves as its capital. Denmark operates as a unitary state with a constitutional monarchy and a representative parliamentary system. This Northern European country consistently ranks high globally in various indices, including Digital Quality of Life, Corruption Perception, Environmental Performance, Global Social Mobility and holds one of the world’s most powerful passports.
The Way Forward for the India-Denmark Partnership
India and Denmark share common values like human rights, democracy, and rule of law. Their cooperation in various multilateral forums such as the World Trade Organization, International Solar Alliance, and Arctic Council can advance democracy and human rights. Furthermore, their recently formed Green Strategic Partnership can strengthen political cooperation, expand economic relations and green growth, create jobs, and address global challenges and opportunities. This collaboration could significantly contribute to the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
