India-Finland take a major decision to increase cooperation in digital, semiconductor and defense
At a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, the two countries agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership. Emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in areas such as digital technology, clean energy, semiconductors, defense, and space.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday. At the meeting, the two countries decided to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership.
In a joint press statement following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi stated that India and Finland will advance their cooperation, focusing on areas such as digitalization and sustainability. He added that this partnership will accelerate cooperation in several high-tech sectors.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the two countries will work
together in areas such as artificial intelligence, 6G telecom, clean energy, and quantum computing. Furthermore, they agreed to expand cooperation in defense, space, semiconductors, and critical minerals.
He stated that a trusted partnership between democratic countries like India and Finland will help strengthen global supply chains and secure the technology ecosystem.
Cooperation already exists in many areas
The Prime Minister noted that cooperation between the two countries already exists in many areas. Finnish telecom company Nokia's technology has played a key role in providing mobile and network connectivity to millions of people in India.
Finland has also technically partnered with the construction of the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River and the world's largest bamboo-based bioethanol refinery project in Numaligarh, Assam.
Discussion on global issues
Prime Minister Modi said that the world is currently facing many uncertainties and conflicts. Tensions are rife from Ukraine to West Asia. At such a time, strong relations between India and Europe are crucial for global stability and development.
He also said that the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union will further strengthen trade, investment, and technical cooperation, thereby strengthening the economic relationship between India and Finland.
During this visit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with President Stubb, while the Finnish President visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Experts believe that this visit will give a new direction to India-Finland relations and further strengthen India's cooperation with Europe and the Nordic countries.