Prime ministers of Nordic countries and India meet in Copenhagen
The prime ministers of the Nordic countries and India met in Copenhagen on Wednesday 4 May. Topics on the agenda included the changed security situation in Europe and India-Nordic cooperation. The discussions also highlighted the importance of multilateralism and respect for human rights and gender equality.
The Nordic prime ministers reiterated their full support for and solidarity with Ukraine and strongly condemned Russia’s war of aggression.
Discussions on the development of India-Nordic cooperation began with the prime ministers’ introductions on different topics. Prime Minister Sanna Marin opened the discussion on digitalisation. She described how digitalisation could serve as the global engine for sustainable economic growth. She also highlighted its role as a key factor in combating climate change and enabling effective social participation. Nordic expertise in 5G, 6G, artificial intelligence and quantum technology featured prominently in Marin’s introduction and the subsequent discussion. The discussion emphasised the role of Nordic businesses as providers of reliable and secure technological solutions, which has also become an increasingly important perspective in India in recent years.
Other topics of discussion included the climate and sustainable development, innovations, and international cooperation after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In connection with the meeting, Prime Minister Marin had a bilateral discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The prime ministers last met remotely in March 2021, when Finland and India agreed on a partnership for sustainability and digitalisation and on cooperation in science and education. The development of trade, investments, innovations and tourism between the countries were also important topics of discussion at the Copenhagen meeting.
While in Copenhagen, Prime Minister Marin also met for bilateral talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Their discussions focused on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe, which has changed as a result of the war. Prime Minister Marin told her colleagues about the current security policy discussion in Finland and about Finland’s options for strengthening its security, including the possibility of applying for NATO membership.
Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949, Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 50 421 0422, Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office