THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 5, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said relations between India and Europe are entering a “golden phase”, as India and Finland elevated their bilateral engagement to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability during the visit of Alexander Stubb to India.

Welcoming President Stubb on his first visit to India after assuming office, Modi described him as a distinguished global leader and respected thinker. Stubb is also attending the Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest this year.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the world is currently witnessing instability and uncertainty, with conflicts continuing in regions such as Ukraine and West Asia. In such a global environment, he noted, cooperation between India and Europe has become increasingly important for global stability, development and prosperity.

 “At the beginning of 2026, the historic India–European Union Free Trade Agreement was concluded. This agreement will further strengthen trade, investment and technology cooperation between India and Finland,” Modi said, referring to the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement.

Highlighting existing collaboration between the two countries, the Prime Minister said Finnish technology giant Nokia has connected millions of Indians through its telecom networks. He also cited Finland’s contribution to building the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and the establishment of the world’s largest bamboo-to-bioethanol refinery at Numaligarh Refinery with Finnish partnership.

Modi announced that India and Finland are now elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership focused on emerging technologies and sustainability. The partnership will expand cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence, 6G telecommunications, clean energy and quantum computing, while also strengthening ties in defence, space, semiconductors and critical minerals.

The two countries also concluded a Migration and Mobility Agreement aimed at connecting their innovation ecosystems and facilitating the movement of students and skilled professionals. Modi noted that Finland is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Indian students and talent, and that the two sides have agreed to enhance collaboration in teacher training, school partnerships and research on the future of education.

Emphasising broader cooperation, the Prime Minister said Finland is an important partner for India in the Nordic region and that both countries will also expand collaboration in Arctic and Polar research. He added that India and Finland will jointly host the World Circular Economy Forum in India this year, giving fresh momentum to global sustainability efforts.

On global security issues, Modi said both nations believe in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. He reiterated that conflicts, including those in Ukraine and West Asia, cannot be resolved through military means alone and called for continued efforts to restore peace. He also stressed the need for urgent reforms in global institutions and reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Finland to eliminating terrorism in all its forms.

Referring to President Stubb’s completion of the Ironman Triathlon, Modi expressed confidence that India and Finland would together achieve a “new triathlon of innovation, digitalisation and sustainability,” ushering in a new chapter in their partnership.