Finland President Talks with PM on Bilateral Ties, India-EU FTA

Finland’s President Alexander Stubb spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, focusing on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, bilateral ties, and broader global issues. The conversation came at a sensitive moment, just days before Modi’s anticipated meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

The backdrop to their dialogue was significant. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had recently suggested that Europe might soon host direct talks with Putin in a bid to explore possibilities for ending the war. Stubb, who has been actively engaged with European counterparts on the issue, shared his assessment with Modi regarding the outcomes of recent meetings held between European leaders, the United States, and Ukraine in Washington. These discussions, according to reports, were aimed at evaluating pathways to peace and resolving the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During the call, Modi and Stubb also discussed bilateral cooperation, particularly focusing on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The two leaders agreed that concluding the FTA at the earliest was crucial. Stubb strongly reiterated Finland’s support for an “early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement.” This push gained further urgency as the United States recently imposed a heavy tariff regime on Indian exports — a 50 percent tariff overall, including an additional 25 percent penalty tariff linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil. The pressure on Indian exports has increased New Delhi’s determination to finalize its trade negotiations with the EU quickly to counterbalance the economic impact of the U.S. measures.

The official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office noted that both leaders also took stock of the progress made in the India-Finland bilateral partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in emerging and high-technology fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, 6G telecommunications, cybersecurity, and sustainable development. These sectors, viewed as critical for future global competitiveness, form the backbone of India’s evolving partnerships with technologically advanced nations like Finland. Stubb, in particular, extended strong support for the AI Impact Summit scheduled to be hosted by India in 2026, describing it as a key global platform for showcasing innovation.

On the geopolitical front, Stubb emphasized the European perspective on the Russia-Ukraine war, relaying insights from his engagements with global leaders. Modi, in response, reaffirmed India’s consistent position of advocating for peace, dialogue, and diplomacy. He reiterated India’s long-standing stance of supporting a peaceful resolution to conflicts, stressing that New Delhi remains committed to extending “all possible support for sincere efforts” that seek to end hostilities and restore peace and stability at the earliest.

The timing of this exchange was also notable. Just a day earlier, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had taken to social media to highlight Kyiv’s expectation of India’s role in helping resolve the conflict. In his post, Zelenskyy thanked Modi for his greetings on Ukraine’s Independence Day and stressed that Ukraine deeply values India’s dedication to the principles of peace and dialogue. This recognition underscores India’s unique global positioning: while maintaining strategic ties with Russia, New Delhi is simultaneously courted by Ukraine and its allies as a potential mediator.

Additionally, in the wider international context, the call between Stubb and Modi occurred shortly after a high-profile meeting in Washington, where European leaders including Stubb and Zelenskyy, along with U.S. officials, reportedly held a four-hour-long discussion with former U.S. President Donald Trump. That meeting followed the Trump-Putin talks in Alaska, further indicating the complexity of the global efforts to find common ground on Ukraine.

In summary, the Modi-Stubb conversation not only reflected the strengthening of India-Finland relations but also highlighted India’s growing importance in global diplomacy, particularly in conflict resolution and trade negotiations. While Finland pressed for closer economic ties through the FTA, it also recognized India’s role as a stabilizing force in the international system. For India, balancing relations with the U.S., EU, Russia, and Ukraine remains a delicate task — one that positions Modi as a key figure in shaping the trajectory of both regional and global developments.