As India and Finland mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, both nations reflect on a partnership that has evolved across sectors like digitalization, sustainability, education, and innovation. This milestone comes just ahead of the 3rd edition of the India-NORDIC Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Norway in October/November to deepen ties with the Nordic countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. This landmark summit, along with Finland’s commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic ties with India, underscores the growing importance of bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

75 Years of Diplomatic Ties: A Historical Bond

India and Finland first established diplomatic relations on September 10, 1949. Since then, the partnership has expanded into various sectors, including technology, education, trade, and sustainability. On Tuesday (Sept 10, 2024) at an event held in New Delhi to commemorate the milestone, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal, Finnish diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures came together to celebrate the robust relationship.


During the event, Finland’s Ambassador to India, Kimmo Lahdevirta, highlighted the depth of the India-Finland partnership, emphasizing its strong historical roots. “Today, our partnership is more robust than ever. We have ventured into strategic dialogues encompassing crucial areas like digitalisation, education, sustainability, and innovation—DESI, as we fondly call our approach,” said Ambassador Lahdevirta. This DESI framework, based on the Joint Declaration made during the 2021 meeting between the two countries’ prime ministers, continues to guide the expanding cooperation in areas like ICT and environmental sustainability.

The anniversary event showcased the vibrant people-to-people and cultural ties between the two countries, with performances by students from the World University of Design (WUD), further solidifying the creative and educational collaboration between India and Finland. This partnership has thrived on mutual respect and shared values, paving the way for future collaboration in areas like technology, education, and climate action.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Economic and Strategic Ties

One of the key highlights of the anniversary celebrations was an address by Sakari Puisto, Chairperson of the Commerce Committee of the Parliament of Finland. He emphasized the growing economic ties between India and Finland, noting that over 100 Finnish companies currently operate in India, with foreign direct investments (FDI) exceeding €4 billion. These investments reflect Finland’s confidence in India as a stable and growing economy, poised to become a significant player in the global market.

Puisto also underscored the importance of collaboration in talent exchange, with both nations focusing on educational partnerships and talent attraction. “We are keen to expand our cooperation in talent attraction, offering excellent opportunities for both students and experts. Our cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including tourism, are flourishing,” Puisto noted. The success of these exchanges is evident in initiatives such as direct flights between Helsinki and New Delhi, enhancing travel and tourism between the two countries.

Looking Ahead: India-NORDIC Summit and Future Collaborations

India’s engagement with the Nordic region has gained significant momentum in recent years. The 3rd edition of the India-NORDIC Summit, scheduled for October in Norway, will be a crucial platform to further strengthen this relationship. The summit will provide an opportunity for India to deepen its collaboration with Finland and other Nordic countries—Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland—on areas of mutual interest like clean energy, climate action, digitalization, and innovation.

Nordic countries have long been recognized for their leadership in sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation—areas where India seeks deeper cooperation. The Nordic model of sustainable development aligns well with India’s ambitions, especially in its efforts toward climate action and clean energy transitions. Finland’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, as underscored by Ambassador Lahdevirta, positions it as a key partner in India’s green energy ambitions.

During an interaction between Indian and Finnish officials, including Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and members of Finland’s Commerce Committee, both sides expressed a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. They discussed various economic policies, Digital Public Infrastructure, and tax reforms, emphasizing the importance of trade and investments as the backbone of their partnership.

Shared Goals for a Resilient Future

With India’s growing influence in the Nordic region and Finland’s expertise in sectors like digital innovation and sustainability, the two countries are poised to continue building on their successes.
Moreover, the India-NORDIC Summit will serve as a pivotal moment to solidify India’s relations with the entire Nordic region. Both nations are committed to enhancing ties in technology, education, and environmental sustainability, ensuring that their partnership remains strong.