Helsinki, Nov 6 (NationPress) During the 13th Foreign Office Consultations held in Helsinki on Thursday, India and Finland analyzed the full spectrum of their bilateral collaboration, agreeing to enhance their partnership in trade and investment, digitalisation, quantum computing, 5G/6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability, clean technologies, circular economy, education, research and development, people-to-people ties, and mobility.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared insights about the meeting on X, stating: "The 13th India-Finland Foreign Office Consultations took place today in Helsinki. Co-chaired by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Permanent State Secretary Jukka Salovaara. They reviewed the entirety of India-Finland bilateral cooperation and agreed to enhance it further in the fields of trade & investment, digitalization, quantum computing, 5G/6G, AI, sustainability, clean technologies, circular economy, education, research and development, people-to-people ties, and mobility."

India regards Finland as a significant ally within the EU and the Nordic region. The Finnish side reiterated its commitment to the prompt conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Both nations also exchanged perspectives on regional and global matters of shared interest, he noted.

On August 30, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a phone conversation with Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonen, focusing on the Ukraine conflict and its consequences. "I had a telephonic discussion today with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. Our talks revolved around the Ukraine conflict and its implications. India should not be unjustly targeted in this context. We have consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy," EAM Jaishankar tweeted on X.

Earlier, on August 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a fruitful telephonic conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb to discuss ways to bolster cooperation across various sectors, including trade, technology, and sustainability.

President Stubb provided his evaluation of recent meetings involving leaders from Europe, the United States, and Ukraine regarding the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s unwavering support for a peaceful resolution and the early restoration of peace and stability, as stated by the MEA.

PM Modi characterized Finland as a "valued partner" of India within the European Union. In a post on X, he stated, "Had a fruitful dialogue with President Alexander Stubb. Finland is a cherished ally in the EU. We discussed methods to enhance collaboration in crucial sectors such as trade, technology, and sustainability."

President Stubb confirmed Finland’s backing for a swift conclusion of a mutually advantageous India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and expressed support for the upcoming AI Impact Summit that India will host in 2026.