Why PM Modi is on 3-day Europe visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in German capital Berlin on Monday morning to set off his three-nation tour of Europe. 

During his first trip abroad this year, PM Modi will be visiting Germany, Denmark and France.

His three-day visit comes against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Before starting his trip, PM Modi said that he intends to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with India's European partners.

We take a look at what all is going to happen during the PM’s Europe visit and its significance.

3-DAY VISIT

The PM is n Berlin on Monday at the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, following which he will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark from May 3-4 to hold bilateral engagements and to participate in the second India-Nordic Summit.

On his way back to India, PM Modi will make a brief stopover in Paris for a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, said a release by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

“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,” he said in a statement.

Prime Minister @narendramodi is enroute to Berlin for the first leg of his 3-country visit. Here is a quick preview of his engagements for the day.Courtesy: @MEAIndia @PMOIndia @ianuragthakur @Murugan_MoS @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/U2mxVx1V3j

— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) May 2, 2022

DAY 1, GERMANY (MAY 2)

PM Modi landed in Berlin on Monday morning, where he will hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The two leaders will co-chair the sixth edition of the India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC).

Landed in Berlin. Today, I will be holding talks with Chancellor @OlafScholz, interacting with business leaders and addressing a community programme. I am confident this visit will boost the friendship between India and Germany. pic.twitter.com/qTNgl8QL7K

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2022

Several other Indian ministers are also travelling to Germany and holding consultations with their German counterparts.

PM Modi said that he sees this IGC, which is happening within six months of the formation of a new government, being helpful in identifying India's priorities.

In 2021, India and Germany commemorated 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations and have been strategic partners since 2000.

It was early morning in Berlin yet several people from the Indian community came by. Was wonderful connecting with them. India is proud of the accomplishments of our diaspora. pic.twitter.com/RfCyCqJkPY

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2022

“Continental Europe is home to over one million persons of Indian origin, and Germany has a significant proportion of this diaspora. The Indian diaspora is an important anchor in our relations with Europe and therefore I will take the opportunity of my visit to the continent to meet our brothers and sisters there,” said the PM.

DAY 2-3, DENMARK (MAY 3-4)

After the one-day visit to Berlin, the PM will travel to Danish capital Copenhagen, where he will first have a meeting with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

#Historicvisit ????PM Shri @narendramodi will pay an official visit to DK from 3-4 May. He will also participate in 2nd India-Nordic Summit being hosted by DK. It is the 1st time in 20 years that an Indian PM is on an official visit to DK! #GreenStrategicPartnership @Statsmin pic.twitter.com/pByNioO4wX

— Denmark in India (@DenmarkinIndia) April 27, 2022

*India and Denmark will discuss their bilateral relations and also review the progress of their 'Green Strategic Partnership'.

*Modi will later participate in the India-Denmark Business Roundtable and then interact with the Indian community in the Scandinavian country.

*PM Modi will also take part in the 2nd India-Nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

*Modi and the Nordic leaders will take stock of their cooperation since the first India-Nordic Summit in 2018. 

The summit is expected to discuss subjects like post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, the evolving global security scenario and India-Nordic cooperation in the Arctic region, said the PMO.

In Denmark, I shall hold talks with PM Frederiksen. I also look forward to the 2nd India-Nordic Summit in Copenhagen. This will also give me an opportunity to meet leaders of Nordic countries on the sidelines of the Summit. @Statsmin

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2022

"Nordic countries are important partners for India in sustainability, renewable energy, digitisation and innovation. The visit will help in expanding our multifaceted cooperation with the Nordic region," said the PM.

DAY 3, FRANCE (MAY 4)

After his two-day visit to Denmark, PM Modi will stop over in Paris while returning home. He will meet French President Emmanuel Macron, who has just recently been re-elected for a second term.

Other than congratulating him in-person, PM Modi also wants to reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries. The meeting is seen as an opportunity to set the tone of the next phase of the India-France strategic partnership.

PM @narendramodi 's visit to deepen ties between trusted partners,??& ?? with strong focus on Indo-Pacific, multilateralism, defence & security, economic ties, digital innovations, climate change & people-to-people linkages. pic.twitter.com/tPj0CIO8Fi

— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) May 1, 2022

PM Modi said that President Macron and he will share assessments on various regional and global issues and take stock of ongoing bilateral cooperation. 

"It is my firm belief that two countries that share such similar vision and values for the global order, must work in close cooperation with each other," said the PMO.