Context:

• According to the Finnish minister for international trade, India and Finland can work together to find solutions to several global challenges and bring positive outcomes. 

Some Key Highlights on India Finland Relations

• Nuclear Collaboration: Finland is also keen to expand nuclear research and technology collaboration. India has expressed its interest in developing the technology for small reactors, given the importance of nuclear power to its energy mix.
• Finland’s Stand on India- EU FTA: Finland is hopeful that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and European Union (EU) concludes soon, which would be mutually beneficial for all the countries involved.
• Clean Technology: Finland is also looking at supporting sustainability projects that turn waste into energy in India. The country is also seeking collaborations with start-ups.
  • India and Finland have discussed Manufacturing of green hydrogen electrolyzers in India. 
• DESI Initiative: Finland’s India-specific export promotion programme viz. DESI (Digitalization, Education, Sustainability, Innovation) initiative was also unveiled this year.

About Finland: 

• Location: Finland is located in northern Europe.
• Borders: It shares borders with Russia to the east, the Gulf of Bothnia, and Sweden to the west.
• World Happiness Report 2023: For the sixth year in a row, Finland is the world’s happiest country.

Background of India Finland Relations:

• Historic Ties: Finland and India have traditionally enjoyed warm and friendly relations.
  • Established in September 1949, 2023 marks 74 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 
• Collaboration: In recent years, bilateral relations have acquired diversity with collaboration in research, innovation, and investments by both sides. 
• The Indian community in Finland: It is vibrant and well-placed.
  • There are around 14,490 (end of 2019) persons of Indian origin.
  • Indian culture and yoga are very popular in Finland. 

News Source: Mint