The President of Finland Alexander Stubb paid a state visit to India from March 4–7, 2026, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit marked an important step in strengthening bilateral relations, with both countries agreeing to elevate ties to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability.
President Stubb visited New Delhi and Mumbai, accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Sari Multala and Matias Marttinen, along with government officials and business leaders.
Raisina Dialogue and Bilateral Meetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Raisina Dialogue on March 5, 2026, with President Alexander Stubb attending as the Chief Guest and delivering the inaugural keynote address.
During the visit:
- President Stubb was formally welcomed by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- The Finnish President and Narendra Modi held extensive bilateral discussions.
- The Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting leader.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, rule of law, global peace, and multilateral cooperation.
Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability
India and Finland agreed to elevate bilateral relations into a Strategic Partnership focused on Digitalization and Sustainability.
The partnership builds on previous engagements, including:
- The India–Finland Virtual Summit (2021)
- The India-Nordic Summit meetings in Stockholm and Copenhagen
- Cooperation during the AI Impact Summit 2026
The two countries aim to deepen collaboration in technology, innovation, sustainability, and trade.
Trade and Investment Cooperation
The leaders encouraged businesses from both countries to benefit from the newly concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement.
Key trade goals include:
- Doubling India–Finland trade by 2030
- Strengthening investment and technology partnerships
- Expanding startup collaboration
Startup ecosystems from both countries are already collaborating through events such as:
- Slush
- Startup Mahakumbh
Initiatives like the Indo-Finland Startup Corridor are expected to further boost innovation cooperation.
Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies
Both countries identified digital transformation as a key area of collaboration.
Priority sectors include:
- 5G and 6G technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- High-performance computing
- Quantum computing
- Semiconductor research
India also shared its experience with Digital Public Infrastructure, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
To strengthen cooperation, both sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on Digitalization.
Sustainability and Clean Energy Cooperation
Sustainability emerged as another major pillar of the partnership.
Areas of collaboration include:
- Green hydrogen
- Energy efficiency
- Smart grids
- Biofuels
- Circular economy
- Sustainable water management
Both countries also welcomed cooperation under the Leadership Group for Industry Transition.
India will host the World Circular Economy Forum 2026, a Finnish initiative promoting circular economy solutions.
Science, Meteorology, and Research Collaboration
India and Finland also highlighted ongoing scientific cooperation.
Key collaborations include:
- Research between the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the India Meteorological Department
- Plans for a virtual research centre with Indian Institute of Technology Madras
- Joint research projects worth more than €11 million
The leaders also discussed potential cooperation in space technology, highlighting its future potential.
Mobility, Education, and Cultural Cooperation
Both countries emphasized stronger people-to-people connections.
A Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed to facilitate:
- Movement of skilled professionals
- Student exchanges
- Research collaborations
- Academic cooperation
Interest in the Finnish education model is also growing in India, particularly in:
- Teacher training
- Early childhood education
- Skill development
Multilateral Cooperation and Global Issues
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to:
- A rules-based international order
- Reform of the United Nations Security Council
- Global cooperation on climate change and biodiversity
Finland reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
The leaders also discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and welcomed Finland’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Counter-Terrorism and Global Security
Both countries strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism.
They pledged stronger cooperation to:
- Combat terror financing
- Prevent radicalization
- Strengthen anti-money laundering systems
- Counter misuse of emerging technologies by terrorist groups
The leaders also expressed support for peaceful diplomatic solutions to global conflicts, including the situation in Ukraine.
The state visit of Alexander Stubb marked a major milestone in India–Finland relations. By establishing a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, both nations aim to deepen cooperation in technology, trade, clean energy, education, and global governance.
At the end of the visit, President Stubb invited Narendra Modi to visit Finland, and the Indian Prime Minister accepted the invitation, signaling continued momentum in bilateral relations.