• Finland’s President Alexander Stubb reiterated his country’s support for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement in a phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 27.

• The two leaders also reviewed progress in the India-Finland bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance partnership in emerging fields, including quantum technologies, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and sustainability.

• President Stubb affirmed support for the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026.

• President Stubb shared his assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of Europe, the United States and Ukraine in Washington on resolution of the conflict in Ukraine.

• PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the conflict and early restoration of peace and stability.

India-Finland Relations

• India and Finland have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations. 

• The diplomatic relations between India and Finland was established in 1949.

• In recent years, bilateral relations have acquired diversity with collaboration in research, innovation, and investments by both sides. 

• In 2023, India’s total trade (goods and services) with Finland was €3.3 billion.

• For India, Finland ranks 41st with total FDI inflows by 2024 standing at $569 million (as per DPIIT data). 

• Over 100 Finnish companies have operations in India. Large Finnish companies like Nokia, Kone Elevators, Metso Outotec, Wartsila, UPM, Lindstrom, Fortum, Ahlstrom, Elcoteq, etc have manufacturing facilities in India.

• India’s investments in Finland have crossed $1 billion, including acquisitions. About 30 Indian companies, mainly in the software and consultancy sector, are active in Finland.

• Finland is a leader in 5G/6G technology and Nokia is a world leader in providing the associated infrastructure. Top Indian IT companies are looking to collaborate in this sector.

• The e-visa facility has boosted tourism from Finland. There is a daily direct flight between Helsinki and New Delhi which has encouraged travel between both countries.