India and Finland have decided to strengthen their bilateral relations by elevating them to a strategic partnership following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to deepen cooperation in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability, clean energy, technology, defence, and space.
The two leaders met at Hyderabad House where discussions focused on expanding collaboration in emerging technologies, innovation, trade, and global issues. Both sides highlighted the importance of working together in sectors including artificial intelligence, 6G telecommunications, quantum computing, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
Addressing a joint press statement after the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the new partnership would accelerate cooperation between the two countries.
He stated, “This partnership will accelerate and energise our cooperation in many high-tech areas, from AI to 6G telecom, from clean energy to quantum computing.”
He also emphasised that stronger partnerships between democratic countries like India and Finland would support reliable technology ecosystems and stable global supply chains.
Existing Cooperation Highlighted
During the interaction, Modi pointed out several examples of successful cooperation between the two nations. Finnish telecom company Nokia’s mobile phones and network technologies have connected millions of people across India. Finnish architects also contributed to the construction of the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. In addition, India and Finland collaborated in establishing the world’s largest bamboo-to-bioethanol refinery in Numaligarh, Assam.
The leaders also discussed the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement and its potential to increase trade, investment, and technological cooperation between India and Finland.
Cooperation in Education, Innovation and Global Issues
India and Finland agreed to strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, start-ups, and education. The countries also decided to expand partnerships in teacher training and future education research.
President Stubb praised India’s growing global influence and said, “India, obviously, is one of the world’s largest and most influential countries and the world’s largest democracy.”
Both nations also agreed to enhance cooperation in Arctic and polar research and work together on sustainability initiatives. The visit is expected to further strengthen ties between India and Finland and expand cooperation between India and the Nordic and European regions.
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