NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen on Saturday held “fruitful” talks with a focus on expanding cooperation in a range of key areas such as health, agriculture, water management, climate change and renewable energy.

Here are the key points from the meeting-
* In his media statement after the talks, Modi said both sides reviewed the progress made under the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and deliberated on further expansion of overall cooperation in multiple sectors.
* The two sides also inked four agreements that will provide for deepening of cooperation in areas of science and technology, climate change and skill development.
* PM said, “A year ago today, we took the historic decision to establish a Green Strategic Partnership between India and Denmark in our virtual summit. This is a sign of far-reaching thinking and respect for the environment by both our countries.”
* The green partnership, finalised at a virtual summit between the prime ministers of the two countries, aims to create a framework for significant expansion of cooperation in areas of renewable energy, environment, economy, climate change and science and technology.

* Describing the talks as “fruitful”, Modi said both sides decided to cooperate in areas like efficient supply chain, smart water resources management and technologies relating to the farm sector to increase agricultural productivity in India.
* In her remarks, Frederiksen said the cooperation between India and Denmark is a great example of how green growth and green transition go hand-in-hand.
* She said both sides decided to boost cooperation, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors.

India and Denmark also exchanged four agreements following a bilateral meeting.
* The first memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, Aarhus University, Denmark and Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland on mapping of groundwater resources and aquifers.
* The second agreement was signed on the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Access Agreement between the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and the Danish Patent and Trademark Office.
* The third MoU was signed between the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and Danfoss Industries Private Limited to establish a Centre of Excellence towards natural refrigerants for tropical climates with potential applications.
* The fourth agreement was a Joint Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of the Republic of India and The Government of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Frederiksen arrived in Delhi earlier today on a three-day visit to India. She was received by PM Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan. She was accorded a ceremonial welcome. She also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
“Towards nurturing India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership!PM @narendramodi welcomes Danish PM @Statsmin H.E. Ms. Mette Frederiksen for their bilateral engagement,” External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted along with a photo of the two leaders at the Hyderabad House, the venue for the talks.

She will also hold talks with President Ram Nath Kovind.

In the meeting, the two prime ministers are also expected to review the progress in implementation of the ‘Green Strategic Partnership’ established last year.
The green partnership, finalised at a virtual summit between the prime ministers of the two countries, aims to create a framework for significant expansion of cooperation in areas of renewable energy, environment, economy, climate change and science and technology.
Earlier today, speaking at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Frederiksen said, “We consider India as a close partner. I see this visit as a milestone for Denmark-India bilateral relations.”
“Last year I and PM Modi signed and agree on a green strategic partnership. We see an ambitious Indian govt to take great responsibility when it comes to green transition in India and therest of the world,” she added.
“In a few weeks now COP26 Glasgow coming up and I am hopeful that we can use this meeting to agree on how we can support the rest of the world,” the Denmark PM said.

Frederiksen also met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Frederiksen’s visit is an opportunity to review and further the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.

She will also interact with think tanks, students and members of civil society.
India termed Mette Frederiksen’s visit very important as she is the first head of state visiting India since Covid-19 restrictions are in place since last March. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had visited Denmark earlier this year.
India and Denmark have strong trade and investment ties. More than 200 Danish companies are present in India and over 60 Indian companies have a presence in Denmark.
There exists strong collaboration in the fields of renewable energy, clean technologies, water and waste management, agriculture and animal husbandry, science and technology, digitisation including ICT, smart cities, shipping, etc.
(With inputs from agencies)