Visiting Denmark, the Prime Minister of India forged new partnerships and solidified existing ones to promote sustainability, healthcare, and economic growth. The trip resulted in a strengthened Green Strategic Partnership and saw India join the International Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) as a Mission Partner. Additionally, Denmark agreed to join the Global Digital Health Partnership at India’s invitation.
The Green Strategic Partnership: Improving India-Denmark Ties
Initiated in September 1949, diplomatic relations between India and Denmark have grown stronger over time, marked by regular high-level exchanges. These countries share historical links, common democratic traditions, and a desire for regional and international peace and stability. In 2020, they elevated their relationship to a “Green Strategic Partnership” during a Virtual Summit.
The Green Strategic Partnership aims to advance political cooperation, expand economic relations and green growth, create jobs, and strengthen cooperation on addressing global challenges and opportunities. Its particular focus is an ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this partnership, India and Denmark aim to demonstrate that achieving ambitious climate and sustainable energy goals is possible.
Economic and Commercial Relations
In the past five years, bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Denmark has grown remarkably, experiencing a 78% increase from USD 2.8 billion in 2016 to USD 5 billion in 2021. Key exports from India include textiles, apparels, vehicles and components, metal goods, iron and steel, footwear, and travel goods. Denmark mostly exports medicinal/pharmaceutical goods, power generating machinery, industrial machinery, metal waste and ore, and organic chemicals to India.
Cultural Ties: Celebrating Indian Independence
The mutual respect and admiration between these two nations were palpable during India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations in Copenhagen. The vibrant Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations attracted a large attendance from the Indian diaspora in Denmark, composed of IT professionals, doctors, and engineers. In tribute to India and its leaders, some important streets and public places in Denmark have been named after Indian luminaries.
The International Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS)
The ICARS was conceptualized as an independent research and knowledge center specializing in intervention and implementation research in low- and middle-income countries. Denmark and the World Bank gave birth to this idea during discussions held in 2017 and 2018. Given Denmark’s long history of working in One Health, it seemed fitting that they initiate and host such a center. The Danish Government formally announced its ambition to establish ICARS in November 2018, and now, India has joined as a Mission Partner.
Global Digital Health Partnership
The Global Digital Health Partnership (GDHP) is an international coalition of governments, agencies, and organizations committed to enhancing citizens’ health and well-being through optimal use of evidence-based digital technologies. Launched in February 2018, the GDHP offers transformative engagement opportunities to its participants. The inaugural summit in 2018 was hosted by Australia. The ‘4th Global Digital Health Partnership Summit’ took place in February 2019 in New Delhi, India, and now Denmark is set to join at India’s invite.
Moving Forward: Cooperation at Multilateral Forum
India and Denmark share common values of human rights, democracy, and rule of law, and should collaborate in multilateral forums like the World Trade Organization, International Solar Alliance, Arctic Council to enhance democracy and human rights, and advocate a rule-based multilateral system. This cooperation will be key to realizing their shared goals and aspirations.