In a bold statement from New Delhi on March 5, Finland President Alexander Stubb advocated for the world to emulate India’s foreign policy playbook. Jointly addressing the media with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he celebrated India’s respect for sovereignty and its no-nonsense, realistic approach to global affairs.
Stubb hailed India as a powerhouse: the globe’s premier democracy, a burgeoning economic force, and Europe’s vital strategic partner. ‘Your growth is evident everywhere we look,’ he observed.
The Finnish leader showered praise on India’s diplomacy, marked by clarity and pragmatism. ‘India has shown how to safeguard autonomy and caution strategically, all while promoting global cooperation and multilateralism. My view? The world should get a bit more Indian.’
Highlighting India’s leadership in a transforming world order, Stubb pointed to its alliance with Global South nations dictating future trajectories. Key discussions included regional security challenges, defense collaboration, and crises in West Asia and Ukraine. Leaders concurred: peace demands ending conflicts, grounded in UN principles for sustainability.
India merits a permanent UNSC seat, Stubb insisted emphatically. He endorsed the burgeoning India-EU strategic partnership as essential. His delegation featured 20 Finnish enterprises in tech realms from quantum to satellites, networks, food tech, and sustainable innovations, eyeing Indian markets.
This high-profile endorsement from Finland signals strong international backing for India’s ambitions, promising expanded ties in security, trade, and technology.