NEW DELHI — Amid the escalating West Asia conflict and the prolonged war in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb issued a powerful joint call for diplomacy and institutional reform on Thursday, March 5, 2026. During a joint press briefing at Hyderabad House, both leaders emphasized that military conflict cannot provide lasting solutions to global issues, while President Stubb explicitly backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the shared values between India and Finland, noting that both nations are committed to the rule of law and dialogue. “Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support the swift end of conflicts and every effort towards peace,” the Prime Minister stated. He also invoked the “historic” India-European Union Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year, suggesting that India and Europe are entering a “golden era” of bilateral relations characterized by increased cooperation in digital technology, infrastructure, and sustainability.
President Stubb, who is on a state visit to India, resonated with the need for a transition in the global order. He argued that the current multilateral system must reflect today’s geopolitical realities, particularly the rise of the Global South. “I think a seat in the UN Security Council for India is of utmost importance,” Stubb remarked, adding that he would reiterate this call during his address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026. The Finnish President also expressed concern over the “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,” which he noted has now lasted for four years, urging for a peace that respects United Nations principles.
The bilateral meeting underscored a shared commitment to rooting out terrorism and reforming global institutions to address modern challenges. With a high-level delegation of business leaders accompanying President Stubb, the visit aims to translate this diplomatic alignment into deeper economic ties, particularly within the framework of the new India-EU trade deal.
