Finland’s President Alexander Stubb made headlines in New Delhi on March 5, urging global powers to mirror India’s balanced diplomacy. During a press conference with PM Narendra Modi, he extolled India’s virtues in respecting other nations’ autonomy and pursuing practical strategies amid turbulent times.
Praising PM Modi’s diplomatic prowess, Stubb described India as a global heavyweight: the largest democracy, Europe’s emerging strategic ally, and a top-tier economy surging ahead. ‘We see it every day here,’ he added.
India’s foreign policy drew special acclaim for avoiding misconceptions and staying rooted in pragmatism. ‘India protects strategic autonomy and vigilance while backing multilateral efforts. The world could learn from this—become a little more Indian,’ Stubb declared personally.
As the world navigates shifts in the global order, India and its Global South partners will steer its direction, Stubb noted. Talks focused on security in the region, defense matters, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Consensus emerged that war cessation benefits all, achievable only through adherence to UN ideals for enduring peace.
A permanent UNSC seat for India is ‘very important,’ Stubb asserted. He welcomed advancing India-EU relations as crucial strategic bonds, with a promising start. Twenty Finnish firms in cutting-edge fields like quantum tech, satellites, networks, food processing, and green innovations accompanied him, poised for partnerships.
Stubb’s candid support highlights India’s indispensable role, fostering optimism for enhanced India-Finland collaboration across diplomacy, security, and business.