New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Emphasizing India's increasing significance as a vital strategic ally for Europe, Finnish President Alexander Stubb remarked on Thursday that India has emerged as one of the globe's largest and most impactful nations.

Stubb praised India's foreign policy for its pragmatic and realistic approach, highlighting that the country has demonstrated to the world how strategic caution and the preservation of autonomy can coexist with a commitment to multilateralism and global collaboration.

During a joint press briefing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Stubb stated, “India is undeniably one of the world's largest and most influential nations, as well as the largest democracy. It is evident that you have become a crucial strategic partner for Europe. The significance of your role in foreign and security policy, along with trade policies, cannot be overstated. You are among the fastest-growing economies globally, which we witness daily.”

“What I truly respect about your foreign policy is that you have never harbored illusions. Your foreign policy is grounded in a pragmatic and realistic worldview. You have shown the globe that strategic caution and autonomy are essential while advocating for multilateralism and global cooperation. Personally, I believe we should all aspire to adopt a bit more of an Indian perspective,” he added.

The Finnish President expressed his honor in attending the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi alongside PM Modi, noting the forum’s remarkable evolution over the past decade into a significant global platform for important discussions, especially amid the shifting world order.

“It is a privilege for me to inaugurate the Raisina Dialogues today with the Prime Minister. It is astounding to observe the growth of Raisina in just ten years. It has become a key event where the world is listening and observing the developments at Raisina, especially during these turbulent times. The global landscape is evolving. We are experiencing a transition in the world order, and India, alongside its allies in the Global South, will influence the direction of this order,” he remarked.

Stubb further indicated that he would advocate for reforms in the multilateral system during the Raisina Dialogue, underlining India's critical role in obtaining a permanent seat within the United Nations Security Council.

“In my address at Raisina today, I will again push for changes in the multilateral system, ensuring that the distribution of labor and power reflects the realities of today's world. Hence, I believe securing a seat in the UN Security Council for India is of paramount importance,” the Finnish President asserted.

Stubb also pointed out that discussions with PM Modi included the strengthening of India-EU relations, describing the recently established trade agreement and the strategic partnership between the two parties as highly significant.

“As the world undergoes a transition—featuring the United States, Russia, China, and others—the existence of a partnership based on values and interests between the European Union and India is crucial,” he concluded.