The call with Finnish PM marked the latest in a series of high-level diplomatic exchanges by India with its Nordic and European partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held a detailed and “fruitful” telephonic conversation on Wednesday, discussing wide-ranging subjects including the ongoing war in Ukraine, deepening bilateral technology partnerships, and accelerating negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The call marked the latest in a series of high-level diplomatic exchanges by India with its Nordic and European partners, as New Delhi seeks to expand its role in global geopolitics and emerging technologies. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Finland relations, particularly in sectors such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, 5G-6G technologies, cyber-security, and green mobility.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi said: “Had a fruitful conversation with President Alexander Stubb. Finland is an important partner country in the EU. We are committed to elevating our ties. Exchanged our perspectives on regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine.”
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the two leaders reviewed their ongoing collaboration across the digital, sustainable development, and mobility sectors. They also discussed the need for stronger coordination in light of major geopolitical shifts, particularly those emerging from the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
President Stubb echoed the sentiment in his own social media statement: “Had a good phone conversation today with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. We discussed, among other things, bilateral relations, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the geopolitical shifts and their implications for the multilateral system. In these turbulent times, the friendship between Finland and India is more important than ever.”
Ukraine Crisis and “Coalition of the Willing”
The conversation took place shortly after Stubb attended high-level discussions in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, as part of the so-called “coalition of the willing” — a growing European effort to coordinate support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. France 24 reported that Stubb emphasised the importance of a united European negotiating team and called for the appointment of a special envoy to streamline diplomatic efforts.
“We [Europeans] need two things,” Stubb said at the Paris forum. “A negotiating team — like the Americans, the Ukrainians, and the Russians have — and eventually a special envoy coordinating everything. Right now, although we have strong leadership from France and the UK, there is still the question of who speaks for Europe.”
Stubb also clarified misunderstandings around the potential deployment of European troops. He outlined a two-phase approach to the conflict — the first involving support during a ceasefire, and the second focused on a long-term peace agreement backed by international peacekeeping forces.
“The ceasefire is still a state of war, whereas a peace agreement, that’s when peace begins,” he noted, stressing that any military involvement during a ceasefire would be carefully coordinated and aimed at reassurance and stability.
Push for India-EU FTA and Nordic Collaboration
Stubb also reaffirmed Finland’s support for a swift conclusion to the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, a deal under negotiation for years that both sides now appear keen to fast-track. The leaders agreed to stay in regular contact, with Stubb expressing optimism over India’s growing role in shaping a more balanced and multipolar global order.
The conversation with Finland came just a day after PM Modi spoke with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. That exchange focused on advancing the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership — a unique bilateral initiative aimed at promoting green energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Modi said he looked forward to participating in the third India-Nordic Summit, scheduled to take place in Norway later this year. The summit is expected to provide a platform for greater policy alignment and commercial opportunities between India and the Nordic region.
