In a diplomatic tête-à-tête that resonates with significance, India and Finland convened their 12th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on November 1, 2023, in New Delhi. Leading the charge on the Indian side was Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, while Jukka Salovaara, Permanent State Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, led the Finnish delegation.
With 2024 set to commemorate the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two nations, both India and Finland expressed their commitment to celebrating this significant milestone in a memorable fashion.
The FOC served as a pivotal platform to dive deep into the multifaceted facets of their relationship. The discussions ranged from political engagement and trade partnerships to education, digital collaboration, sustainability initiatives, mobility, cultural exchanges, and the ever-important people-to-people connections. Equally significant was the dialogue on global issues, including multilateral cooperation in the Arctic and the ongoing reform efforts within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), MEA Secretary (West) said, “Engaging talks with Finnish Permanent Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs. Discussed pol. ties, trade, Quantum computing, circular economy, mobility, India- EU FTA, the UN and the Arctic, and our respective regions.”
Engaging talks with Finnish Permanent Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs @jukka_salovaara
Discussed pol. ties, trade, Quantum computing, circular economy, mobility, India- EU FTA, the UN and the Arctic, and our respective regions. @FinlandinIndia @Ulkoministerio @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/6YxD1SuQEG
— Sanjay Verma (@SanjayVermalFS) November 1, 2023
With an eye on the broader global stage, the FOC also provided an ideal arena for India-Finland sides to share perspectives on pressing regional and international issues of mutual concern. High on the agenda was the evolving situation in their respective neighborhoods, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Meanwhile, the Finnish Ambassador Jukka Salovaara, reflecting on the FOC discussions, remarked, “Time in New Delhi is time well spent. Thankful for my colleague Secretary (West) @SanjayVermalFS for excellent talks. In short: great momentum in bilateral relations but our geopolitical environment is deeply worrying. Good to compare notes together.”
Further, in a resounding affirmation of their commitment to fortify their ties, India and Finland have also agreed to reconvene for the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Helsinki, at a mutually convenient juncture.
