India, Finland To Strengthen Arctic And Polar Research Ties, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that India and Finland will deepen collaboration in Arctic and polar scientific studies. He made the statement while addressing a joint press briefing with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in New Delhi after bilateral discussions.

The meeting highlighted the growing strategic engagement between the two nations. PM Modi described Finland as a crucial partner for India within the Nordic region.

Both leaders explored ways to expand cooperation in education, innovation, and advanced research.

The Prime Minister confirmed that India and Finland have signed a comprehensive migration and mobility agreement.

The pact aims to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals, students, and researchers between the two countries. It will also connect the innovation ecosystems of India and Finland, encouraging joint startup initiatives and collaborative research.

PM Modi noted that Finland has emerged as a preferred academic destination for Indian students. He added that the two governments have decided to intensify research partnerships in teacher training, school-to-school exchanges, and future-focused educational models.

According to him, these initiatives will strengthen cooperation across every stage of human development, from classrooms to industry.

Welcoming President Alexander Stubb on his first official visit to India, Prime Minister Modi praised the Finnish leader as a respected global statesman, thinker, and author. He also expressed satisfaction that Stubb attended this year’s Raisina Dialogue as the chief guest.

PM Modi emphasised that deeper engagement between India and Europe is reinforcing global stability and economic progress. He observed that several regions of the world remain affected by geopolitical tensions, citing conflicts stretching from Ukraine to West Asia.

In such circumstances, he said, stronger ties between India and European partners hold strategic importance.

The Prime Minister also referenced the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, signed earlier in 2026. He said the accord will strengthen trade, technology exchange, and investment flows, including cooperation between India and Finland.

PM Modi further announced that both countries are elevating their relationship to a strategic partnership centred on digitalisation and sustainability. He recalled long-standing cooperation through companies such as Nokia, whose telecom technology connected millions of Indians.

PM Modi also cited joint infrastructure achievements, including the engineering collaboration behind the Chenab railway bridge and the bamboo-to-bioethanol refinery in Numaligarh. He stated that the new strategic partnership will accelerate cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, 6G telecommunications, clean energy, and quantum computing.

The partnership will also expand collaboration in defence, space, semiconductors, and critical minerals, ensuring reliable technology and supply chains worldwide.

Also Read: PM Modi, President Stubb Discuss AI, 6G And Clean Energy Cooperation