Our Bureau
New Delhi
President of Finland Alexander Stubb on Thursday voiced strong support for India securing a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, and said that reforms in the global multilateral system are necessary to reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for peace amidst the ongoing West Asia Conflict while addressing a joint press briefing along with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
During the joint press meeting, he said that India and Finland both believe in the rule of law, dialogue and diplomacy. He said,” India and Finland, both, believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy.
“India and Finland, both, believe in the rule of law, dialogue, and diplomacy. We are in agreement that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we will continue to support the swift end of conflicts and every effort towards peace,” the PM said
“We also agree on this, that reforming global institutions to address the growing global challenges is not only necessary but also urgent. And rooting out terrorism in all its forms is our shared commitment,” the PM added.
PM Modi invoked the historic trade deal signed with the European Union in January and said that during a period of instability, India and Europe were entering a golden period of their relationship.
“Today, the world is going through a period of instability and uncertainty. Conflict persists in many parts of the world, from Ukraine to West Asia. In such a global environment, India and Europe, two of the world’s major diplomatic powers, are entering a golden era of their relationship. Our growing cooperation is giving new strength to global stability, development, and shared prosperity. At the beginning of 2026, the historic India-European Union Free Trade Agreement was signed. This agreement will further strengthen trade, investment, and technology cooperation between India and Finland. India and Finland are important partners in areas such as digital technology, infrastructure, and sustainability,” he said.
Stubb’s visit, includes the participation of a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials, and business leaders, is aimed at deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between India and Finland across various sectors.
Highlighting the need for reform in global governance, Stubb said he would reiterate the call for changes in the multilateral system during his address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026.
“Today, in my speech at Raisina, I will once again call for a change in the multilateral system where the division of labour and power would reflect today’s world. And therefore I think a seat in the UN Security Council for India is of utmost importance,” he said.
He added that discussions also covered strengthening ties between India and the European Union.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Stubb who is on a State Visit to India was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival on Wednesday in New Delhi.
