Why India Matters: Farewell Reflections from a Danish Diplomat
- Mahi C.
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Do not overlook India. If you’re aiming for a competitive edge on the global stage, India is not just potentially relevant, it may very well be essential.
August 1, 2025
After spending close to four years at the helm of the Consulate General of Denmark in Bangalore, Consul General and Head of Trade and Innovation Eske Bo Rosenberg now heads back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark in Copenhagen, where he will work to attract foreign cleantech investments to Denmark as part of Invest in Denmark . As he bids farewell to India, he reflects on the journey, experiences, and partnerships forged during his time here.
How are you feeling about leaving India?
I leave with mixed feelings, which I mean in the most positive way possible. I am sad to leave, but at the same time happy to have so much that I will miss; there is also so much to look forward to at the same time. I am definitely excited about the future of the relationship between Denmark and India, and I am confident that the Consulate and Innovation Centre Denmark will continue to play an important role in what comes next. I have learned a lot on this journey and there are many memories to absorb. I am very thankful to all the people I have worked with or met during my time in India, and I am equally thankful and proud of my wonderful family who have been with me all the way. It has been a transformative life experience for sure.
What were your expectations before you arrived in Bangalore?
My expectations were, to be honest, shaped by my relatively limited knowledge of India. But that also meant that I could be open-minded. I knew that there was a lot of opportunity, and therefore I came with an expectation to understand this better and develop strong partnerships, allowing Danish and Indian stakeholders to unlock the immense potential. India has a lot to offer. While I expected India’s diversity and complexity, I was genuinely struck by the openness and inclusivity I met.
Three biggest learnings from India?
i. In many ways India represents a new world order, and all Danish universities, companies and organisations should seriously consider if, and if so how, India could be a part of their future success.
ii. India stretches the definition of diverse and requires you to be targeted, patient and agile at the same time. This goes for travelling for leisure as well as for doing business. There will be challenges, but there is always a solution.
iii. While Goa is a gem, India offers so much more. There is an abundance of great experiences to explore and so many fantastic people ready to welcome and help you. No matter where I have gone, I have been met with great hospitality, sincere proudness and a contagious appetite for life.
Three milestones or achievements that you are proud of?
i. I am proud of what we have achieved together across Bangalore and New Delhi under the Denmark in India umbrella. Zooming in on the Consulate and ICDK teams, I am proud of the solid foundation we have build for the future. Today I see a strong, strategic, visible, and cohesive unit, creating high value and impact for our stakeholders and delivering tangible results to the Green Strategic Partnership and Denmark’s Action Plan for Economic Diplomacy.
ii. I am proud of the Green Transition Alliance India (GTAI), which is a powerful example of the value of harnessing partnerships and synergies between innovation, business, policy and strategic sector cooperation. It is a well-structured, multi-stakeholder platform that brings together leading Danish companies and strategic partner organisations across the value chain from renewable energy, to green fuels, and energy efficiency. I expect it to play an increasingly important role in the Indo-Danish energy cooperation in the years to come.
iii. I am proud of having contributed to several high level delegations, such as the Royal Visit in 2023, that are all instrumental in strengthening Denmark and India’s bilateral relationship. I am also very proud to have supported the establishment of new lasting platforms that will bridge India and Denmark’s entrepreneurship ecosystems in the future. An example of the latter is the Nordic India Startup Summit, the second edition of which is set to take place in Copenhagen on August 27-28 in conjunction with TechBBQ .
What is your outlook for India in the coming years? What is your advice to Danish entities who are either setting up here or are curious about India?
India holds a powerful demographic advantage and deep talent pool, paired with unparalleled economic growth and a pioneering, democratic digital transformation. Its future energy demand and green transition ambition is massive, as is its aim to become a global hub for affordable, innovative, and inclusive healthcare and life sciences. In terms of innovation, India has the world’s third largest population of unicorns and a healthy VC outlook in the coming years. All of this matches Danish positions of strength and political priorities.
My advice: Do not overlook India. If you’re aiming for a competitive edge on the global stage, India is not just potentially relevant, it may very well be essential. Danish companies, universities, etc. need to actively understand and have a position on India.
What are you most excited about in your new role at Invest in Denmark? Will you still be connected to India in some capacity?
I am looking forward to continue to work at the nexus of economic diplomacy, but from a new perspective, with a focus on attracting foreign investments to Denmark, which is extremely important for the country's future. I am excited about strengthening my relationships with the many external stakeholders in Denmark’s thriving cleantech sector. And I look forward to be at the epicentre of Denmark’s Foreign Affairs and get my daily inspiration from all the extremely talented and dedicated colleagues.
As for India, the good news is that a good number of Indian companies, in particular in the tech and services sector, already have a presence in Denmark. Looking ahead, I hope that we will be able to attract even more - also within cleantech, as this would be a good reason for me to visit Indian again in the near future.
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