Finland-India relations reach record levels, says Ambassador

Finland's Ambassador to India, Mikko Kivikoski, stated that bilateral relations between India and Finland have reached record levels this year. He highlighted a synergy between Finland's innovation capabilities and India's vast talent pool, suggesting that joint cooperation could yield significant results.

Key diplomatic activities this year included visits to India by both the Finnish Prime Minister and President, as well as visits to Finland by India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and the Commerce Minister. The Ambassador also noted the success of the World Circular Economy Forum in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as a joint effort to promote environmental and sustainable development.

Regarding trade, Kivikoski expressed optimism that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union could be signed by the end of the year, with implementation potentially occurring next year following necessary approvals. Additionally, the Ambassador praised India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing that diplomatic dialogue is the only viable path to resolution.