Key facts
- Finnish President Alexander Stubb met with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- Stubb described India as an "influential actor" whose global views are important.
- Discussions covered the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the upcoming G7 summit.
- Both leaders stressed the importance of diplomacy in navigating global uncertainty.
- India and Finland will advance their strategic partnership in digitalization and sustainability.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb met with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, describing India as an "influential actor" whose global perspective is vital. The bilateral meeting, held on the sidelines of the Kultaranta Talks in Helsinki, focused on pressing international conflicts and the upcoming G7 summit.
During their discussion, Stubb emphasized the importance of India's views in navigating an uncertain global environment. Both leaders underscored the critical role of diplomacy in addressing current geopolitical challenges. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Finland Strategic Partnership, particularly in the areas of digitalization and sustainability, and enhancing coordination in multilateral forums.
Jaishankar also participated in a panel discussion titled 'Emerging Powers and the New Geopolitical Competition,' alongside Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Lana Nusseibeh. During the panel, Jaishankar noted the significant economic costs and global changes resulting from ongoing conflicts, stressing the need for continued diplomatic efforts. He also highlighted the importance of de-risking and diversifying supply chains to build resilience in a volatile world and defended India's energy choices as being based on national interest, affordability, and availability.