Finland's President Alexander Stubb has voiced his support for India playing a role in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing India's "geopolitical stake" in the matter. Speaking at the Helsinki Security Forum 2025, Stubb highlighted the necessity of involving India in efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war.
"I've been speaking to PM Modi recently about the situation in Ukraine. India has a geopolitical stake here. So we need to get them involved," Stubb stated. He also outlined steps towards achieving peace, including a ceasefire, peace negotiations, and a formal meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin. Stubb believes that only after such a meeting can Zelenskyy reach out to Putin to discuss a potential agenda.
In addition to advocating for India's involvement, Stubb stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Moscow through economic sanctions and bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities with necessary defense resources.
President Stubb's remarks followed a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August, during which Stubb shared his insights from recent meetings in Washington D.C. with European, U.S., and Ukrainian leaders concerning the resolution of the conflict. During the call, PM Modi reiterated India's consistent support for a peaceful resolution and the early restoration of peace and stability.
Both leaders also discussed the progress of the India-Finland bilateral relationship, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening partnerships in emerging fields like quantum technologies, 6G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Stubb also conveyed Finland's support for the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and endorsed the success of the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Stubb to visit India in the near future.
Furthermore, Stubb has distinguished India from Russia and China, recognizing India as an emerging superpower and encouraging stronger engagement from Western countries. He highlighted India's demographic and economic advantages, underscoring the importance of the West collaborating with India.
In a Bloomberg Podcasts interview, when asked about the alignment between India, Russia, and China, Stubb firmly responded that India is a close ally of the European Union and the United States and should not be grouped with Russia and China. He acknowledged the close relationship between Moscow and Beijing, particularly in areas such as oil and gas purchases and technological exchange, which enable Russia to continue its war efforts.
In late August, both leaders emphasized the need for a just and lasting solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, viewing it as a shared global interest and agreeing to deepen relations between India and the EU.
