New Delhi witnessed a landmark moment in bilateral relations as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Finland’s President Alexander Stubb at Hyderabad House on Thursday. The leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions aimed at fortifying the ties between the two nations. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, signaling a new era of collaboration.
PM Modi warmly welcomed President Stubb on his first visit to India as President, hailing him as the chief guest for this year’s Raisina Dialogue. Amid global tensions from Ukraine to West Asia, Modi highlighted the opportune timing for strengthening India-Europe relations. ‘Our growing partnership is ushering in new heights of development and shared prosperity,’ he stated.
The Prime Minister pointed to the upcoming Free Trade Agreement (FTA) set for early 2026, which promises to boost trade, investment, and technological synergy. Key areas of focus include digital technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. Nokia’s pivotal role in connecting millions of Indians through mobile phones and telecom networks was acknowledged, alongside Finnish architectural expertise in constructing the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River.
Further exemplifying this bond, Finland’s partnership facilitated the establishment of the world’s largest Assam Bio Ethanol Private Limited (ABePL) refinery in Numaligarh, Assam. Inspired by these successes, the leaders are transforming the relationship into a strategic partnership centered on digitalization and sustainability.
This alliance will propel cooperation in cutting-edge fields from AI and 6G telecom to clean energy and quantum computing. Both nations concur on the urgent need to reform global institutions to tackle rising challenges and their shared resolve to eradicate terrorism in all forms. Upholding the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy, India and Finland reject military solutions to conflicts, supporting swift resolutions and peace efforts in Ukraine and West Asia.