New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) Describing Finland as a key ally for India in the Nordic region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday that the two countries are enhancing their collaboration in Arctic and polar research.

During a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb after their discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, PM Modi indicated that both countries have agreed to broaden their research collaboration in areas such as teacher training, school partnerships, and the future of education.

"Finland is emerging as a preferred destination for Indian students and professionals. Today, we have formalized a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement with Finland to link the innovation ecosystems of both nations. This agreement will further bolster our joint research and startup initiatives," PM Modi stated.

"Finland serves as a model in education. We have also committed to augmenting our research cooperation in teacher training, school collaborations, and educational futures. This underscores our intent to deepen our collaboration across all levels of human development, from schools to industries. Finland remains a crucial partner for India in the Nordic landscape. Our cooperation in Arctic and polar research is also on the rise," he elaborated.

Extending a warm greeting to Stubb on his inaugural visit to India, PM Modi remarked, "I warmly welcome President Stubb on his first visit to India as the President of Finland. He is not only a distinguished global leader but also a respected intellectual and author. It is a great honor for us to host such an experienced and dynamic leader as the Chief Guest at this year's Raisina Dialogue."

PM Modi highlighted that the increasing collaboration between India and Europe is providing new impetus for global stability, growth, and shared prosperity. He also referenced the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU).

"The world is currently facing a climate of instability and uncertainty. From Ukraine to West Asia, conflicts are pervasive globally. Amid this backdrop, India and Europe, as two major diplomatic forces, are entering a golden era of their relationship. Our expanding cooperation is strengthening global stability, growth, and shared prosperity. The historic India-EU Free Trade Agreement was signed at the start of 2026, which will enhance trade, investment, and technology collaboration between India and Finland," he conveyed.

Additionally, PM Modi announced that India and Finland are evolving their relationship into a strategic partnership focused on digitalization and sustainability. He also mentioned the infrastructure projects accomplished with Finnish collaboration, such as the world's highest railway bridge over the Chenab River.

"India and Finland are significant partners. Nokia’s mobile devices and telecom networks have connected millions in India. With the assistance of Finnish architects, we have constructed the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. In collaboration with Finland, we have also established the world's largest bamboo-to-bioethanol refinery in Numaligarh. Inspired by these notable achievements, during President Stubb's visit, we are transforming India-Finland relations into a strategic alliance in digitalization and sustainability."

"This alliance will accelerate our cooperation in various high-tech fields, from AI to 6G telecom, from clean energy to quantum computing. Furthermore, the partnership will deepen in critical sectors such as defense, space, semiconductors, and essential minerals. This strategic alliance between democratic nations like India and Finland will play a vital role in ensuring reliable technology and supply chains for the global community," PM Modi concluded.