Modi–Frederiksen Dialogue Strengthens Green Partnership and Pushes India-EU FTA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, held a telephone conversation on September 16, 2025, reaffirming their shared vision for a stronger bilateral partnership. At the heart of their discussion was the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership, a framework that has become central to advancing cooperation on clean energy, sustainable development, and innovation. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far and pledged to intensify collaboration in critical sectors such as renewable energy, water management, food processing, and smart urban solutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. (AFP photos) | News18

The Push for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement

One of the most significant elements of the dialogue was the emphasis on the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Frederiksen highlighted Denmark’s strong support for the early conclusion of the deal, viewing it as an essential step for strengthening economic ties between India and the European Union. Prime Minister Modi, echoing this sentiment, underscored India’s determination to move forward with the negotiations. With global trade facing uncertainty and supply chains shifting due to geopolitical tensions, both leaders recognized the importance of establishing a robust and mutually beneficial trade framework at the earliest.

Addressing Global Challenges: Ukraine and Beyond

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine also featured prominently in the discussion. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent position, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path to peace. He expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic consequences of the war and called for stability to be restored swiftly. Frederiksen acknowledged India’s role as a major global actor capable of shaping conversations around conflict resolution and peace-building. Beyond Ukraine, the two leaders also touched upon other regional and global issues, reinforcing the importance of multilateralism and cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

Denmark’s EU Presidency and India’s Global Role

During the call, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to Denmark as it assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and as it continues its responsibilities as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. These roles position Denmark as a key partner for India in shaping global policy on trade, climate change, and peace. Frederiksen, in turn, voiced her support for India’s initiatives, particularly the upcoming AI Impact Summit in 2026, which aims to foster global collaboration on ethical and sustainable use of artificial intelligence.

The Broader Context of the Green Strategic Partnership

Established in 2020, the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership reflects a pioneering model of collaboration between a developing economy and a technologically advanced nation. Through initiatives like the India-Denmark Energy Partnership (INDEP), Denmark has been sharing its expertise in offshore wind, renewable integration, and flexible electricity systems. India, with its vast market and ambitious climate goals, provides the scale and opportunity for these technologies to thrive. Together, the two countries are charting a pathway that combines sustainability with economic growth, setting an example for other nations.

India-EU FTA: Progress and Challenges

While optimism surrounds the India-EU FTA, hurdles remain. The negotiations, revived in 2022, are aiming for conclusion by the end of 2025. Both sides have made progress, but differences persist over market access, tariff reductions, and regulatory alignment. The EU seeks greater access for its automobiles, dairy products, and services, while India is pushing for favorable terms on textiles, pharmaceuticals, and steel. Environmental and labor standards also remain contentious points. Nevertheless, the momentum gained through high-level political backing, such as Frederiksen’s call, indicates that a breakthrough could be within reach.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent dialogue with Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen highlights India’s growing role in shaping global partnerships that prioritize sustainability, economic growth, and peace. The Green Strategic Partnership, launched in 2020, continues to showcase how India is working with technologically advanced nations to accelerate renewable energy, water management, food processing, and smart urban solutions. This collaboration strengthens India’s commitment to green development while also positioning it as a leader in climate action and innovation.

Equally important was the strong push for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Denmark backing India’s vision for a fair and robust framework that can withstand shifting global supply chains and geopolitical challenges. By stressing diplomacy in the Ukraine crisis and extending support for multilateral cooperation, Modiji once again underlined India’s role as a stabilizing force in world affairs. This dialogue reflects not just bilateral goodwill but also India’s broader ambition to integrate sustainability, trade, and peace into its global engagement strategy.

(Sources: News18, Economic Times, DD News)