COPENHAGEN — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Denmark began with a ‘special gesture’ from his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen, who received him at the airport. The Indian prime minister’s office later tweeted the moment with “a special start to a special visit” headline.

Modi on Tuesday thanked his Danish counterpart Frederiksen for the warm welcome on his arrival in Copenhagen. Addressing a press briefing with Frederiksen, Modi — who is on a three-day trip to Germany, Denmark and France — said India and Denmark shared “values of democracy, freedom of expression and the rule of law” and, said, “Together we both have several complementary strengths.”

The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest to boost bilateral relations, including the war in Ukraine, the India-European Union (EU) free trade deal, climate change and the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

“Today, we also discussed many regional and global issues including India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. We hope that the negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be concluded at the earliest,” Modi said at the press meet.

The prime minister took the opportunity to reiterate India’s call for an “immediate ceasefire in Ukraine” and urged both sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

Modi arrived in Denmark earlier in the day after a jam-packed Monday in Germany that saw him meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz and also interact with Indians living in the country.

The two leaders chaired the India-Germany inter-governmental consultations (IGC), and signed several agreements to augment bilateral ties.

The Indian prime minister’s Denmark itinerary also includes a meeting with Queen Margrethe II, attending the India-Denmark Business Roundtable and interacting with the Indian community in Denmark.

He will also take part in the second India-Nordic Summit along with his counterparts of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark. After wrapping up his Denmark trip, Modi will make a stopover in Paris to meet newly re-elected President Emmanuel Macron.

Modi on Tuesday met Frederiksen at her scenic 18th century official residence Marienborg which is perched upon a hilltop and surrounded by meadows, woods and lakes.

“Marienborg provided the perfect setting for productive discussions with PM Frederiksen. We had extensive deliberations on how to enhance India-Denmark relations,” Modi said on Twitter.

Frederiksen and Modi took a stroll on the meadows surrounding the 18th century mansion overlooking the Bagsvaerd Lake. Marienborg has served as the official residence of Denmark's prime ministers since 1962.

At Marienborg, Frederiksen gave a tour of her official residence to Modi, who spotted a Pattachitra painting from Odisha depicting 'Ram Durbar' which was gifted by him when she visited India last year.

Earlier, Frederiksen received Modi at the airport here where members of the Indian Diaspora had turned up in traditional attire to welcome the prime minister.

The Danish premier was also present when Modi interacted with the Indian community here.

“I have to say you really know how to welcome a politician. Please teach the Danish population how to do it,” Frederiksen said, amid a rapturous applause by the Indian community.

She also introduced Modi as her friend as she invited him to address the gathering

Asserting that India’s role in damaging the climate is negligible, Modi said Indians have had no role in harming the planet and the need of the hour is to promote ‘lifestyle for environment’.

Addressing the Indian community settled in Denmark during his visit to the Nordic nation, Modi also asked each one of them to convince at least their five non-Indian friends to visit India.

“The mindset of use and throw is negative for the planet. It is necessary to get out of consumption-oriented approach and the need of the hour is to promote ‘LIFE -- Lifestyle for Environment’. India’s role in damaging the climate is negligible; Indians have had no role in damaging the planet,” Modi said.

Underlining that India had “no hand in exploiting our Mother Earth,” Modi said, adding, “We have taken on the challenge of saving her. By 2070, we have set Net Zero target...

“India has been able to fulfill its climate action because, unlike others who put all the responsibility of saving the planet on multilateral organizations, we see it as a responsibility of each citizen to do their bit to save the world.”

He further said global climate action does not appear to be succeeding as yet. The world appears to have stopped in its tracks but India has been delivering on its goals ahead of time because of efforts of every single Indian, Modi said.

Denmark has been with India in White revolution, now it is becoming a strong partner in the country’s green future, he added.

“There are huge opportunities for the two countries in areas of electric mobility, green hydrogen, waste-to-wealth, sustainable urbanization, green shipping, science, technology, innovation,” Modi said. — Agencies