Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen for the warm welcome he received when he arrived in Copenhagen on Tuesday. Modi, who is on a three-day trip to Germany, Denmark, and France, told a press conference with Frederiksen that India and Denmark shared “values of democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law,” and that “together we both have several complementary strengths.”

Modi’s visit started with a’special gesture’ from Frederiksen, who greeted him at the airport. The moment was dubbed “a special start to a special visit” by Modi’s office.

The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest in order to strengthen bilateral ties, including the conflict in Ukraine, the India-EU free trade agreement, and the Indo-Pacific situation.

“Many regional and global issues, such as India-EU relations, the Indo-Pacific, and Ukraine, were also discussed today. We hope that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations will be completed as soon as possible “At the press conference, Modi said.

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

Modi arrived in Denmark earlier today after a busy Monday in Germany, where he met with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and interacted with Indian residents.

The two leaders presided over inter-governmental consultations (IGC) between India and Germany and signed several agreements to strengthen bilateral ties.