India-Europe – Companions in the Quest for Peace & Prosperity

"My visit to Europe comes at a time when the region faces many challenges and choices. Through my engagements, I intend to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with our European partners, who are important companions in India’s quest for peace and prosperity.” – PM Narendra Modi

The above statement by PM Modi formed the ethos of his first trip abroad this year. The strategic choice to visit Europe, amidst the ongoing tensions in the region, became key in solidifying India’s position as a global partner and influencer of global dynamics.

During his 3-day visit to Germany, Denmark and France, PM Modi reiterated the pivotal role played by India in strengthening global supply chains, enhancing healthcare service delivery and accomplishing climate change goals.

PM Modi began his visit with a rousing welcome at Berlin, Germany. With a long-standing bilateral relationship rooted in mutual trust, joint interests in servicing the people of both nations and shared values of democracy, PM Modi and Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed the growing importance of India in developing sustainable global supply chains. PM Modi also outlined how India has been key in shaping the global healthcare landscape by providing affordable vaccines & medicines, especially during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. India’s prominence in global supply chains was underlined through the signing of 9 strategic MOUs between the two nations across various fields such as renewable energy, forest landscape restoration, skill development and green & sustainable development.

PM’s visit to Germany, a major player in the EU, also shed light on the growing prominence of India’s geo-political dynamic. Chancellor Olaf made a special mention about the presentation of India’s G20 priorities and agreed to work together on strong G20 action in addressing common global challenges, during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.

Day 2 of PM Modi’s visit focused on India’s unshakeable commitment towards tackling climate change challenges. During his visit to Demark, PM Modi said, “India has taken the challenge of saving our Mother Earth and we are set to achieve Net Zero target by 2070”. Over the years, with the largest renewable energy expansion plan, India has championed change to tackle climate change issues. To further this commitment, PM Modi met the PMs of Nordic nations, namely, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, & Iceland, to reiterate the importance of cooperation for global sustainable development.

The 2nd India Nordic Summit also witnessed discussions focused on post pandemic economic recovery and deepening strategic partnerships for a new global order. PM Modi invited sovereign wealth funds to invest and leverage the New India opportunity.

The last leg of PM Modi’s 3 days-3 nations Europe visit included a strategic meeting with the PM of France at Paris. Both PMs outlined how France & India had become reliable partners through close strategic cooperation and exchange of technology & information. The just-reelected French PM, Emmanuel Macron, highlighted the pivotal role of India in combating global food security concerns. The meeting also witnessed a discussion around strengthening of the defence ecosystem of both nations.

PM Modi’s Europe visit re-affirmed its position in the centrestage of the global order.?

“When India becomes strong, the world becomes stronger”, a comment by PM Modi, echoes the global sentiment towards India today.??