New Delhi : Narendra Modi welcomed Alexander Stubb on his first official visit to India and described the visit as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Addressing a joint press interaction, the Prime Minister said President Stubb is a respected global leader and thinker, and it was a matter of honour for India to host him as the Chief Guest at the Raisina Dialogue.
Highlighting the global situation, Modi said the world is currently facing instability and uncertainty, with conflicts continuing in regions such as Ukraine and West Asia. In such circumstances, he noted that relations between India and Europe are entering a “golden phase,” with expanding cooperation contributing to global stability, economic development and shared prosperity.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement will further strengthen trade, investment and technology collaboration between India and European nations, including Finland. He said India and Finland are natural partners in sectors such as digital technology, sustainable infrastructure and innovation-driven growth.
Referring to long-standing technological cooperation, Modi highlighted the role of Nokia in connecting millions of people across India through mobile phones and telecom networks. He also mentioned key collaborative projects, including the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab Rail Bridge and the establishment of the world’s largest bamboo-to-bioethanol refinery in Numaligarh.
During President Stubb’s visit, both countries agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability. Modi said the new framework will expand cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, 6G telecommunications, clean energy and quantum computing.
He added that India and Finland will also deepen collaboration in strategic sectors including defence, space technology, semiconductors and critical minerals. According to the Prime Minister, stronger cooperation between democratic and responsible nations like India and Finland will help build trusted technologies and resilient global supply chains.
Modi also noted that Finland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Indian students and professionals. To further strengthen people-to-people ties, both sides signed a comprehensive Migration and Mobility Agreement aimed at connecting the innovation ecosystems of the two countries and promoting research, start-up collaboration and talent exchange.
Recognising Finland’s global reputation in education, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in teacher training, academic research and school partnerships, focusing on the future of education.
The Prime Minister described Finland as a key partner for India in the Nordic region and said both countries will enhance collaboration in Arctic and polar research. He also welcomed Finland’s partnership in hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in India this year, which he said would boost global efforts toward sustainable development.
On global issues, Modi stressed that India and Finland strongly support the principles of international law, dialogue and diplomacy. He reiterated that conflicts, whether in Ukraine or West Asia, cannot be resolved through military means alone and emphasised the need for peaceful solutions. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of reforming global institutions and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
Concluding his remarks, Modi praised President Stubb’s achievement of completing the Ironman Triathlon and expressed confidence that India and Finland would together accomplish a new “triathlon” of innovation, digitalisation and sustainability through their strengthened partnership.
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