New Delhi, 05 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Thursday that India and Finland are elevating ties into a strategic partnership focused on digitalization and sustainability, accelerating cooperation across high-tech domains like AI, 6G, clean energy, and quantum computing.

Speaking alongside Finland President Alexander Stubb at Hyderabad House after bilateral talks,PM Modi hailed Stubb's maiden India visit as chief guest for Raisina Dialogue 2026, lauding him as both global leader and acclaimed thinker.

PM Modi noted persistent conflicts from Ukraine to West Asia amid worldwide instability, positioning India-Europe bonds as anchors for stability, growth, and prosperity. He highlighted the landmark India-EU free trade agreement signed early 2026, poised to boost India-Finland trade, investment, and technology flows.

Finland's Nokia has connected millions of Indians through mobile and telecom networks, while Finnish architects helped build the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. Joint efforts also established the globe's largest bamboo-based bioethanol refinery at Numaligarh, Assam.

The new partnership targets defense, space, semiconductors, critical minerals, and Arctic research, alongside a migration-mobility pact linking innovation ecosystems for joint R&D and startups.

Both nations prioritize rule of law, diplomacy over military solutions, UN reforms, and zero tolerance for terrorism. Finland—hailed for education excellence—will deepen teacher training, school linkages, and future-of-education research. PM Modi quipped that Stubb's Ironman triathlon grit promises new peaks in bilateral innovation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar