India and Finland Forge Stronger Ties: A New Era in Trade and Technology

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Helsinki: During the 13th round of Foreign Office Consultations held in Helsinki, India and Finland have committed to enhancing their bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, digitalization, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared insights from the meeting on social media, stating, "The consultations were co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara. They evaluated the full spectrum of India-Finland collaboration and agreed to bolster efforts in trade and investment, digitalization, quantum computing, 5G/6G, AI, sustainability, clean technologies, circular economy, education, research and development, as well as people-to-people connections and mobility."

India regards Finland as a significant ally within the EU and the Nordic region. The Finnish representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the swift conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and discussed regional and global matters of shared concern.

On August 30, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a phone call with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, focusing on the ongoing Ukraine conflict and its implications.

Jaishankar noted, "Our discussions revolved around the Ukraine situation and its consequences. India should not be unjustly singled out in this context. We have consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy."

Earlier, on August 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a fruitful conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, exploring avenues to enhance collaboration in trade, technology, and sustainability.

President Stubb provided insights on recent discussions among European, American, and Ukrainian leaders regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Modi reiterated India's unwavering support for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of stability.

In a social media post, PM Modi expressed, "I had a productive discussion with President Alexander Stubb. Finland is a valued partner in the EU. We talked about strengthening cooperation in vital sectors like trade, technology, and sustainability, and exchanged views on the ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict."

President Stubb also emphasized Finland's backing for the prompt conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU FTA and expressed support for the upcoming AI Impact Summit that India will host in 2026.