On his recent European tour, Prime minister Narendra Modi travelled to three countries, Germany, Denmark and France, from May 2 to 4. Being the first prime minister born in Independent India, this is the first visit of prime minister Narendra Modi in 2022, and it comes at a crucial junction at the time of the Ukraine-Russia war situation in post covid pandemic. The main focus of the visit was to boost ties in various areas -energy and green technology. On May 2, PM Narendra Modi left for Berlin, reached at 6 AM and received a guard of honour at the airport. He had bilateral talks with Germany’s counterpart Olaf Scholz. Both leaders co-chaired the 6th India-Germany Inter-governmental consultations along with their ministerial colleagues, and they discussed the strategic partnership and planned for the future road map. Germany is India’s largest trading partner, with over $21 billion in bilateral trade. Both the leaders signed seven agreements, including joint implementation of development projects in 3 countries, agreements on direct encrypted connection, green and sustainable energy partnership, and comprehensive migration and mobility partnership. Both leaders also pledged better cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The Prime minister is invited to the G7 meeting, which will be held in June. Prime minister Modi said no one would be victorious in the war and added that the prices of commodities have increased due to the turmoil in Ukraine. India- Germany has decided to set up a green hydrogen task force. Germany has agreed to make an advance commitment of 10 billion euros till 2030 to achieve Sustainable development goals (SDGs) and achieve climate ambition (at COP26). Germany also agreed to co-operate on Agroecology and sustainable management of natural resources in the agriculture sector giving concessional loans up to 300 million euros by 2025. Nearly 1800 German companies operate in India, and over 7000 students are enrolled in various German universities for higher studies.
After completing the meeting with the German chancellor, PM Narendra Modi later interacted with 2000 members of the Indian diaspora at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin. He addressed the Indian community and said his words include children of “Maa Bharati” in every corner of the world. The Prime Minister said after three decades, India got a full majority government and is celebrating 75 years of Independence this year. He added that 40% of digital transactions occurring worldwide happen in India. He also said India has become a land of start-ups, adding India has nearly 68,000 start-ups at present, compared to 400 in 2014, and many of them are running to become unicorns. PM Modi said nearly 25,00 compliances and 1,500 laws were removed to simplify doing business in India and increase foreign investments. Taking a dig at Congress, he said there was a time when 15 paise was reaching the needy for every 1 rupee spent by the government; now, around Rs.22 lakh core is being transferred directly to the beneficiaries in the last 7-8 years. The Prime minister also urged everyone to celebrate the international yoga day on June 21.
On May 3, PM emplaned to Denmark and interacted with Mette Frederiksen and Danish queen Margrethe II. It was the first visit of the prime minister to Denmark. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen broke the protocol and received PM Narendra Modi at the airport. Nearly 200 Danish companies operate in India in various sectors like wind power, shipping, food processing, engineering, etc. PM Narendra Modi pitched about many investment opportunities for Danish companies in India and said FOMO-fear of missing out is there for these businessmen if they miss the opportunity to invest in India. India and Denmark signed nine agreements and a declaration of intent on migration and mobility. He said India is in 3rd place in the number of unicorns worldwide in terms of start-ups. The Prime Minister emphasised the country is also playing the role of pharmacy of the world by offering a helping hand to many countries and saving countless lives. Later PM Narendra Modi addressed a packed gathering at the Bella Center in Copenhagen. He addressed the Indian diaspora and asked them to motivate five non-Indian friends to visit India with a motive to “Chalo India”. He also praised the Indians worldwide and said Indians contribute sincerely to “Karmabhoomi”- the land of work. He also stressed the importance of “LIFE”- a lifestyle for the environment and the need to achieve zero carbon emission by 2070. He said India is on a mission to achieve 40% of energy from non-fossil fuels as a source by 2030, and the solar energy price is at the rate of Rs.2.5 per unit and aimed to reduce further. PM Narendra Modi participated in the second India Nordic-submit in Denmark to review progress in relations with the prime ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. Various matters were discussed, and these countries were invited to invest in a blue economy under the sagaramala project and the expansion of India’s role in the arctic region.
During his return, PM Narendra Modi visited France and had a short discussion with President Emmanuel Macron. Both leaders discussed improving the strategic ties and support for the food to the world. Both the leaders stressed the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) with an aim to ensure well-functioning markets. President Macron also spoke to Russian president Putin to call off the war. PM Narendra Modi said India’s stand on the Ukraine issue is to the cessation of war and settle the conflict with diplomacy and dialogue.
PM Modi held meetings, bilateral as well as multilateral, with eight world leaders from seven countries. Besides interacting with 50 global business leaders, he also interacted with thousands of members of the Indian community. Three days visit, 65 hours, 25 hectic engagements, bilateral and multilateral meetings with eight leaders from 7 countries, interaction with 50 global business leaders, met thousands of members of the Indian community by addressing two huge crowds, one night each in Germany and Denmark and two nights in flight, this was the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s European tour schedule. During this three-day travel, PM Narendra Modi strived to develop better European relations and bring consensus on FTA (Free trade agreement) between India and the European countries.
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