New Delhi— India and Finland have reaffirmed their shared commitment to expand cooperation in trade, investment, clean energy, and cutting-edge technologies during the 13th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Helsinki on November 6, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday.
The Indian delegation was led by Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, while Jukka Salovaara, Permanent State Secretary at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, headed the Finnish side. During his visit, George also met Matias Marttinen, Finland’s Minister of Employment, to discuss employment and mobility-related issues.
Both sides reviewed the progress of their bilateral partnership and explored new areas of collaboration such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G/6G technologies, circular economy, clean technologies, education, and research and development. Strengthening people-to-people ties and mobility was also a major point of discussion.
India described Finland as a “valued and trusted partner” in the European Union and the Nordic region, underscoring shared democratic values and policy convergence on key global issues. Finland, in turn, expressed support for the early conclusion of a balanced India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) under the broader India–EU Strategic Partnership.
The two nations also exchanged views on multilateral cooperation, including participation in the United Nations and the Arctic Council. Finland reiterated its backing for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council, reflecting growing strategic trust between the countries.
Officials said that both delegations discussed pressing regional and global developments, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism, reform in global governance, and sustained dialogue to address shared challenges.
India and Finland agreed to maintain the momentum of their diplomatic engagement and hold the next round of consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.
