PM Modi discusses Ukraine, FTA and other global issues with Finland President
In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephonic conversation with Finland President Alexander Stubb on Wednesday, discussing key global issues, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and the potential for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU).
The conversation between the two leaders came days after India’s decision to abstain from a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move sparked controversy, with some critics accusing India of being too close to Russia. However, in the telephonic conversation, it appears that PM Modi sought to clarify India’s stance on the issue and sought support from the Finnish President.
According to sources, President Stubb expressed support for closer ties between India and the EU, including the possibility of an FTA. The Finnish President also acknowledged the importance of India’s growing global influence and the need for increased cooperation between the two nations.
PM Modi, in a post on X, highlighted the significance of the conversation, stating, “Finland is an important partner country in the EU.” He also committed to strengthening ties between India and Finland in several fields, including trade, education, and innovation.
The conversation between PM Modi and President Stubb comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen its economic ties with the EU. In recent years, India has been pursuing a strategy of economic diversification, seeking to reduce its dependence on traditional trade partners such as the United States and the European Union.
An FTA with the EU could be a significant step in this direction, as it would provide Indian businesses with greater access to the European market and help to increase exports. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 15% of India’s total trade.
However, the FTA talks have been stalled for several years, with both sides failing to agree on key issues such as tariffs and market access. The conversation between PM Modi and President Stubb may have helped to break the impasse, with the Finnish President’s support for an FTA likely to have carried significant weight.
In addition to the FTA, the conversation between PM Modi and President Stubb also touched on the situation in Ukraine. PM Modi has come under criticism for India’s decision to abstain from the UN General Assembly resolution, with some critics accusing him of being too close to Russia.
However, in the telephonic conversation, it appears that PM Modi sought to clarify India’s stance on the issue, highlighting the country’s commitment to the principles of international law and the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. President Stubb, in turn, expressed support for India’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
The conversation between PM Modi and President Stubb is significant not just because of the issues discussed, but also because of the broader implications for India’s foreign policy. In recent years, India has been seeking to strengthen its ties with European nations, including Finland, as part of a broader strategy to promote economic growth and stability.
The Finnish President’s support for an FTA and closer ties between India and the EU is likely to have been seen as a significant boost to PM Modi’s efforts to promote India’s global influence. The conversation also highlights the importance of diplomacy in resolving global issues, with both leaders committing to strengthening ties in several fields.
In conclusion, the telephonic conversation between PM Modi and President Stubb was a significant development in India’s foreign policy, highlighting the country’s commitment to promoting economic growth and stability through closer ties with European nations. The conversation also underscores the importance of diplomacy in resolving global issues, with both leaders committing to strengthening ties in several fields.
Source: https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1912479914839638173
