India and Finland Strengthen Bilateral Ties in 13th Foreign Office Consultations
India and Finland held their 13th Foreign Office Consultations in Helsinki, agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, digitalization, quantum computing, 5G/6G, AI, sustainability, clean technologies, circular economy, education, research, and people-to-people ties. Finland reiterated support for an early India-EU Free Trade Agreement and India's bid for permanent UN Security Council membership, highlighting mutual commitment to regional and global issues.
The 13th India-Finland Foreign Office Consultations took place in Helsinki, co-chaired by Sibi George from India's Ministry of External Affairs and Jukka Salovaara from Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs. They reviewed the comprehensive spectrum of bilateral cooperation and agreed to strengthen ties in multiple sectors, including trade and investment, digitalization, quantum computing, 5G/6G networks, artificial intelligence, sustainability initiatives, clean technologies, and the circular economy. Education, research and development, and mobility also featured prominently to enhance people-to-people connections. Finland reaffirmed its support for a timely and ambitious India-EU Free Trade Agreement and backed India's permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. Discussions also covered multilateral cooperation, including the Arctic and United Nations engagements, with an emphasis on continuing dialogue regarding regional and global challenges. Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations and to hold the next round of talks in New Delhi. Additionally, Indian Secretary Sibi George met with Finland's Minister of Employment to discuss talent mobility, contributions of the Indian diaspora, and further partnership under the Talent Boost Program. This consultation reinforces the valued partnership between India and Finland in the EU and Nordic regions, reflecting growing strategic and economic collaboration.
