Context
India and Denmark are natural partners, connected through a shared history of democratic traditions, strong institutional affinities, and trade relations that date back 400 years. Diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Copenhagen were formally established in September 1949, and since then, the partnership has flourished in both bilateral and multilateral dimensions. The relationship has been driven by a spirit of inclusiveness, sustainable development, and shared progress. A significant milestone in this partnership was the launch of the “Green Strategic Partnership” on September 28, 2020, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This partnership is based on mutual interests, common values, and a commitment to upholding the rules-based international system.
The Green Strategic Partnership has significantly elevated the already dynamic and strategic convergence between India and Denmark. This partnership is a mutually beneficial arrangement that aims to consolidate environmental cooperation and green growth. It also seeks to advance political cooperation, expand economic relations, create jobs, and enhance cooperation in addressing global challenges and harnessing opportunities. The focus areas include water, energy, climate financing, and green financing, all of which are crucial for the green transition of India and ensuring an inclusive and sustainable growth trajectory.
India has high green ambitions and a strong commitment to energy transition, along with experiencing spectacular growth rates. Denmark, on the other hand, has long been a leading power in green and renewable energy, demonstrating a strong commitment to a green trajectory. The complementary policy focus of both countries has brought them together in a robust and resilient strategic partnership. This partnership not only interfaces with the environmental protection and climate security agendas of both nations but also reiterates their commitment to reducing carbon emissions in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Furthermore, the Green Strategic Partnership enhances momentum in strategic negotiations on green transition and public-private partnerships on climate security, facilitating the steady implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The Green Strategic Partnership has already begun to show tangible results, particularly through the India-Denmark Energy Partnership (INDEP). This initiative champions green energy security, capacity enhancement, knowledge-sharing, and technology transfer in areas such as wind energy and renewable energy integration. This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment of India and Denmark to addressing common global challenges, promoting global energy transition, green growth, and sustainable development. Denmark's membership in the India-France led International Solar Alliance further reflects this mutual commitment to green transition and clean energy, complementing the objectives of the Green Strategic Partnership.
Danish companies are global frontrunners in sustainability and innovation, offering both solutions and the commitment needed for a successful green transformation. The synergy between India's scale and Denmark's skills is expected to act as a force for global good, fostering innovation and unveiling new technologies for clean energy security and a greener world. The presence of more than 140 Danish companies in India and the innovative concept of creating India-Denmark energy parks underscore the potential for green transformation in India under the Green Strategic Partnership. Enhanced cooperation between the two nations will focus on the environment, water, circular economy, and sustainable urban development, showcasing the transformative impact of this partnership.
Strategic Cooperation and Technological Synergy
India and Denmark are setting ambitious climate goals in multilateral forums, and their strategic cooperation on green technology sharing is expected to have far-reaching implications. By partnering, they will demonstrate the feasibility of delivering ambitious climate and sustainable energy goals. This convergence allows Danish companies, with their expertise in relevant technologies, to assist India in meeting air pollution control targets and setting a sustained trajectory toward a greener and more prosperous future. The Green Strategic Partnership emphasizes collaboration on data, skills, technologies, best practices, and experiences, facilitating the adoption and penetration of necessary skills on a large scale and optimizing the green transition.
India's vibrant start-up ecosystem, home to numerous unicorns, stands to benefit immensely from green technology collaboration with Denmark. This partnership is poised to transform the landscape of technology fusion and job creation in India by enhancing the capacity of start-ups, resonating with the spirit of shared progress. The India-Denmark Joint Action Plan 2021-2026 prioritizes maximizing the Green Strategic Partnership's potential for green growth, energy security, and the green transformation of the maritime industry.
Denmark's status as a permanent member of the Arctic Council and India's observer status create a platform for strategic cooperation in scientific research and energy resource collaboration in the Arctic. This cooperation is expected to significantly impact global energy efficiency, given India's interest in the Arctic's rich natural resources. The historical precedence of India-Denmark cooperation in the Arctic region underscores their commitment to harnessing renewable energy resources and technology collaboration.
Apart from green transformation, India and Denmark share a strong commitment to defence and security partnership, including maritime security and the green transformation of the maritime and shipping industry. The launch of the first green fuel-propelled container vessel by Danish shipping company Maersk in October 2023 highlights the potential for green maritime cooperation. Strategic defence cooperation also encompasses precision military components and equipment, with plans to explore Danish contributions to the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. Additionally, Denmark's role as a member of the European Union positions it as a key partner in the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, launched during the New Delhi G-20 Summit. This initiative aims to establish a reliable, robust, and resilient global value chain of strategic significance, where green energy security is a paramount component.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between India and Denmark is marked by considerable synergy in priorities and mutual commitments. The Green Strategic Partnership stands as a testament to the two countries' shared vision for green growth, energy security, and sustainable development. This partnership not only consolidates environmental cooperation but also enhances political, economic, and technological ties, demonstrating a model of international collaboration for a sustainable future. The comprehensive and forward-looking nature of this partnership promises significant contributions to global green transition efforts, setting a tangible roadmap for both nations to accelerate progress on green technology and sustainable development.
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Source – The Indian Express
