Excellency Prime Minister, thank you and your team for a wonderful welcome and hosting me and my delegation in Denmark. This is my first visit to your beautiful country. In October last year, I had the opportunity to welcome you in India. With these two visits, we have been able to bring closeness and dynamism in our relationships. Our two countries not only share the values of democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law but we both also have many complementary strengths.
Friends,
During the India-Denmark Virtual Summit in October 2020, we gave our relationship the status of a Green Strategic Partnership. During our discussion todays, we reviewed the joint work-plan of our Green Strategic Partnership.
I am happy that significant progress has been made in various fields, especially in the areas of renewable energy, health, ports, shipping, circular economy and water management. More than 200 Danish companies are operating in various areas in India – such as wind energy, shipping, consultancy, food processing, engineering. There are many such areas, they are getting the benefit of increasing 'Ease of Doing Business' in India and our macroeconomic reforms. There are plenty of investment opportunities for Danish companies and Danish Pension Funds in India's infrastructure sector and green industries.
Today, we also discussed a number of regional and global issues, including India-EU relations, Indo-Pacific and Ukraine. We hope that negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement will be concluded as soon as possible. We stressed on ensuring a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. We called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and adoption of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the problem. We also discussed our cooperation in the field of climate. India is also committed to fulfilling the resolutions taken at the Glasgow COP-26. We have agreed to explore more opportunities for cooperation in the Arctic region.
Excellency,
I am sure that the relations between India and Denmark will reach new heights under your leadership. I also express my gratitude to you for hosting the 2nd India-Nordic Summit, which is going to be held tomorrow. And I thank you so much for joining the Indian Diaspora event today because you took the time to be there, it's a symbol of the love you have for the Indian community.
India's journey as an economic powerhouse continues to capture the world's attention. Powered by a dynamic workforce, an entrepreneurial spirit, maturing capital markets, and a booming digital ecosystem, the nation has not only built a resilient economic model but has also emerged as a key player on the global stage. The year 2024 stands as a symbol to India’s remarkable achievements in economic resilience, strategic reforms, social development, and international partnerships.
A Rising Economic Superpower
India's economy has steadily gained recognition as a force to reckon with. According to Jefferies, India is on track to become the third-largest economy by 2027, a milestone driven by strengthening institutional frameworks and improved governance. Today, India is already the fifth-largest equity market, with projections suggesting that the nation will reach a market capitalization of $10 trillion by 2030. This upward growth underlines India’s transformation into an economic giant, fueled by strategic reforms and an unrelenting focus on innovation.
Governance Redefined: The PRAGATI Initiative
India’s governance model has also undergone a radical shift, setting benchmarks for proactive and accountable administration. The Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) initiative, backed by technology and the active involvement of PM Modi, has bridged long-standing gaps in federal and regional governance.
PM Modi at the ‘PM Gati Shakti Anubhuti Kendra’
A collaborative study by Oxford University and the Gates Foundation highlights the success of PRAGATI in accelerating 340 stalled projects worth $205 billion. The initiative’s ability to fast-track critical projects after decades of delays exemplifies India’s commitment to efficient governance and accountability.
Thriving Amid Global Challenges
Despite an uncertain global economic environment, India continues to outpace other major economies in growth. The World Bank determines India’s resilience as it remains the fastest-growing major economy. Strategic free trade agreements (FTAs) have further bolstered this resilience, creating new opportunities in a changing global context.
In a historic move, India signed an FTA with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), securing a binding commitment of $100 billion in investments and the creation of 1 million direct jobs. This landmark agreement has positioned India as a pivotal point for global trade and investment, reflecting its rising prominence in international markets.
A Services Factory to the World
India’s ascent as a global services hub is another remarkable achievement. Over the past 18 years, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have propelled India’s rise in global services exports. Goldman Sachs reports that India’s share of global services exports climbed from under 2% in 2005 to 4.6% in 2023.
This transformation is complemented by India’s rise in innovation rankings. In 2022, the country jumped 14 spots on the Global Innovation Index (GII), reflecting its expanding influence in the global services and technology sectors.
PM Modi at the Robotics Gallery in the Science City, Gujarat
A Data-Driven Future
India is also setting benchmarks in the data centre (DC) industry, a critical driver of the digital economy. According to a CBRE report, India leads the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China) with a DC capacity of 950 MW, projected to exceed 1,800 MW by 2026. The sector has attracted $40 billion in investments between 2018 and 2023, with Mumbai and Chennai accounting for 68% of India’s DC stock.
Additionally, Tier-2 cities like Kochi and Jaipur are emerging as new data center hubs, exemplifying India’s balanced approach to economic development across regions.
Human Development and Digital Transformation
Economic resilience is incomplete without social progress, and India has made remarkable strides in human development. The United Nations reports a surge in India’s gross national income (GNI) per capita by 6.3%, reaching $6,951 in 2022. Life expectancy has also risen significantly, standing at 67.7 years in 2022 compared to 62.7 years in 2021.
India’s digital revolution has played a pivotal role in uplifting millions out of poverty. As highlighted by the President of the UN General Assembly, approximately 800 million Indians were lifted out of poverty in the last six years through the expansion of digital infrastructure and access to smartphones. By prioritizing financial inclusion and digitalization, India has created a robust foundation for sustainable development.
PM with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Swachh Bharat Mission: A Public Health Revolution
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has been a cornerstone of India’s social development, transforming public health outcomes. Since 2014, over 117 million toilets have been built with a public investment of ₹1.4 lakh crore.
PM Modi taking part in the cleanliness activities under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
A study published in Nature reveals that a 10% increase in district-level toilet access under SBM corresponds to a 0.9-point drop in infant mortality rates (IMR). The large-scale construction of sanitation facilities has helped avert 60,000–70,000 infant deaths annually, showcasing how targeted social programs can deliver significant public health benefits.
India's Journey: Pioneering Growth and Shaping a Global Future
India’s rise as an economic powerhouse is a symbol to its transformative journey of innovation, resilience, and inclusive development. Through strategic reforms, technological advancements, and focus on social progress, the nation has redefined its identity on the global stage.
From being a hub for global services to leading the digital revolution, India has emerged as a symbol of determination and forward-thinking governance. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat and PRAGATI not only showcase India’s commitment to improving lives but also inspire other nations to emulate its success.
As India strides toward its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the foundation laid today promises a future marked by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. The world is not just witnessing India's progress but is increasingly looking to it as a partner and pioneer for global challenges ahead.
