In the contemporary landscape, India and Denmark have been actively working together to address climate change and promote sustainable energy goals. Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change vociferously asserted at the ‘India-Denmark: Partners for Green and Sustainable Progress Conference’ in New Delhi that both countries could jointly demonstrate the feasibility of achieving these ambitious objectives.
The Genesis of Green Strategic Partnership
The foundation of this specialized partnership was laid in 2020 with an aim to promote green and sustainable development through bilateral cooperation. The Green Strategic Partnership is a symbiotic arrangement designed to foster political cooperation, stimulate economic relations and enhance green growth, create jobs, and intensify collaboration on global challenges with specific emphasis on the Paris Agreement and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals implementation.
Notably, Danish companies with specialized technologies and knowledge are extending their support to India in meeting its air pollution control targets, tackling key issues such as crop stubble burning. Additionally, the partnership features plans to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and boost cooperation in water efficiency and loss.
Avenues of Cooperation
Under the partnership, proposals have been made for the establishment of India-Denmark energy parks in areas heavily populated by Danish firms and an India-Denmark skill institute for training Indian manpower. This venture will strengthen the Joint Commission for Cooperation and various existing working groups, thereby accentuating the Green Strategic Partnership.
Exploring India-Denmark Relations
The diplomatic ties between India and Denmark, which were established in September 1949, have been marked by regular high-level exchanges anchored in shared historical links, common democratic traditions, and a collective aspiration for regional and global peace and stability. The relationship scaled new heights with the inception of the “Green Strategic Partnership” during the Virtual Summit in 2020.
Snapshot of Commercial and Economic Relations
The bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Denmark witnessed a massive growth of 78%, from USD 2.8 billion in 2016 to USD 5 billion in 2021. The primary export items from India to Denmark include textiles, apparel, vehicles and components, metal goods, iron and steel, footwear, and travel goods. The key Danish exports to India are medicinal/pharmaceutical products, power-generating machinery, industrial machinery, metal waste and ore, and organic chemicals.
Cultural and Intellectual Exchange
India’s cultural presence was strongly felt in Copenhagen on the 75th Independence Day, celebrated with flag hoisting and vibrant Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. Furthermore, important streets and public spaces have been named after Indian leaders, such as the Gandhi Plaene (Gandhi Park) and Nehru Road near Aarhus University.
In terms of intellectual exchange, the MoU signed in 2020 seeks to enhance IP cooperation through sharing information and best practices on disposal of applications for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. This step forwards the objectives of the National Intellectual Property Rights Policy, 2016, pushing India towards becoming a major player in global innovation.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, India and Denmark must consolidate their cooperation in multilateral fora such as the World Trade Organization, International Solar Alliance, and Arctic Council to further democracy, human rights, and promote a rule-based multilateral system.
