New Delhi is set to host Finland’s President Alexander Stubb from March 4 to 7, marking his first official trip to India as head of state. Accompanied by a high-level delegation including ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, President Stubb will kick off his visit by attending the 11th Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest.
This landmark visit underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, built on shared democratic values and mutual interests. President Stubb will hold key meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bolster bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors. Discussions will cover strengthening partnerships in various fields, alongside regional and global issues on multilateral platforms.
Prime Minister Modi will host a special banquet in honor of the Finnish leader. President Stubb’s itinerary also includes audiences with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
The visit extends to Mumbai, where President Stubb will engage with Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. He will interact with Indian business leaders, participate in the India-Finland Business Programme, and deliver an address to students at Mumbai University.
India and Finland enjoy cordial, multifaceted relations, with Finland serving as a key partner in the European Union and Nordic region. This visit follows Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s recent trip to India for the AI Impact Summit in February, signaling both countries’ commitment to enhancing cooperation and people-to-people ties.
In related developments, the U.S. is ramping up its presence at the Raisina Dialogue. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau will lead the American delegation from March 3-6, advancing President Trump’s America First priorities. Landau will discuss bilateral cooperation on critical minerals and counter-narcotics with Indian officials, while pushing for deeper commercial ties and a shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur is in New Delhi from March 1-3, focusing on regional security in the Indo-Pacific and shared priorities. These engagements build on the momentum toward a stronger U.S.-India partnership under President Trump.